For four games, Boban Marjanovic sat. . .and sat. . .and sat. . .and sat some more. Then, when the Dallas Mavericks’ veteran center finally got a chance to play his first game of the season Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, he didn’t disappoint.
In just 11 workmanlike minutes against the Lakers, Marjanovic scored four points and grabbed seven rebounds while being a huge factor inside the paint. Two days later against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Marjanovic collected 12 points and eight boards in only 15 minutes and was again a major factor inside the paint.
Thus, in the two games he’s played this season, Marjanovic has 16 points and 15 rebounds in only 26 minutes. In a nutshell, that’s what players and coaches generally describe as production in its highest form.
“He’s been terrific,” coach Rick Carlisle said following Tuesday’s practice at Lympo practice facilities. “He’s obviously kept himself ready — after not playing the first four games — to play within the system.
“Guys are helping him play to his strengths. He’s just doing a lot of really good things at both ends of the floor.”
Marjanovic had no problems sitting out the first four games due to a coach’s decision before finally getting on the basketball court against the Lakers. He’s a team-first type of guy who stresses the importance of putting one’s self behind the team’s aspirations.
“We’re professional basketball players,” Marjanovic said. “First, we think about the team and afterwards we think about self.
“And what you can do for yourself is just stay ready for your team, you need to cheer and support your team and support your teammates. If you be on the court, off the court, you give your best energy and a nice smile. If you’re on the court, play tough, play loud, play like they know you’ve got their back and you’re behind them.”
That’s the same philosophy Carlisle subscribes to. He said remaining patient and being ready to play when a player’s number is called after not playing for four games is “part of the job description, but it’s not easy.
“The sign of a true professional,” Carlisle added, “is someone like him that is able to do that and step out there, and not only hold his own, but have a significant impact. So it was really great to see.”
At 7-4 and 290-pounds, it’s really difficult to miss Marjanovic and his passive presence. Beside Boston Celtics rookie Tacko Fall (7-6), Marjanovic is the tallest player in the NBA.
And when Marjanovic is paired alongside the NBA’s third tallest player – 7-3 Mavs forward Kristaps Porzingis – that’s a couple of extra tall building blocks who can create extreme havoc for opposing teams.
“They’re very tall,’ Carlisle said of Marjanovic and Porzingis. “Our rebounding should be good, (when Marjanovic and Porzingis are in the game together), our presence on the inside should be good.
“We’ll see how often the opportunity arises to use that lineup. But from my understanding they’re two (of the) tallest guys in the league, so it gives you a lot of length out there.”
Signed by the Mavs as a free agent this past July 23, Marjanovic, who has adjusted well to playing with Porzingis, is a loveable big man who is always smiling and always sharing his engaging personality with the world.
Carlisle said: “He’s so beloved and well-thought of by our team that everybody was really thrilled to see him do so well.”
As far as his production against the Lakers and Cavs go, Marjanovic knows his teammates have his back and will come to his rescue at a moment’s notice. He also views his 6-of-12 field goal shooting in those two games as a harbinger of things to come.
“I think everybody always starts here and helps me to adjust,” Marjanovic said. “When it’s time to play, to get ready for conditioning-wise and basketball-wise and everything, they keep us in great form.
“They do a great job and I feel good.”
Twitter: @DwainPrice
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