SNAPSHOT
A stretch forward who suits the modern game with his ability to cash in from behind the arc, Bogoljub Markovic offers value if he is still on the board in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago with his offensive tools.
He could do with adding some size, but his offensive arsenal and his ability to impact the game in several facets of the game, paired with plenty of defensive potential, makes Markovic worth the gamble later in the draft if a team wants to take a punt.
DRAFT PROFILE
The Serbian forward was a highly touted junior when emerging in domestic competitions, and did enough to catch the eye of Mega Basket when he was 17 years old, with the team playing in the Adriatic League and the Basketball League of Serbia.
Markovic was loaned to OKK Beograd in the same competition, in a move that proved excellent for his career, allowing him to thrive as a key member of the team and fully showcase the offensive tools he possesses in the frontcourt.
He was named to the All-First Team Basketball League of Serbia and initially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, before withdrawing his name from the pool to focus on his chances for 2025, and he seems to be right in the mix for selection.
During the 2024/25 season with Mega Basket, Markovic posted numbers of 13.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, while shooting 53.8 per cent from the field, 37 per cent from behind the arc and 76 per cent from the charity stripe in a professional competition.
STRENGTHS
+ Ability to stretch the floor
+ Rebounding
+ Post moves
+ Defensive potential
IMPROVEMENTS
- Slight frame
- Prone to turnovers
At six-foot-11, Markovic would be excused if he was exclusively an inside scorer, but the forward can knock down long range shots with the best of them. He is best used in catch and shoot situations, and his impressive wingspan and high release give him an advantage over the contesting player.
He was one of the leading rebounders in Serbia during his time there, and although he is prone to being bodied out by bigger opponents, Markovic's height and reach do allow him to get first hands on the ball and that could be crucial for his role in the NBA.
With the ability to finish off plays inside with both hands, Markovic is a talented post scorer, and uses footwork and positioning to get the upper hand. This will only improve once he adds a bit of size in the coming season, and should compliment his skills in this department.
As mentioned above, he could do with a preseason hitting the weights, as his lack of strength can prove costly on the defensive end, and this will be exacerbated at NBA level, but this is a natural step for many draft prospects to take at the top level.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Second Round
With an impressive skillset for his size, Markovic's game is built for the modern NBA, and he has shown the ability to perform in a professional environment. A few preseasons in the gym should make his game even more damaging and could see him develop into a starter.
