Every player who enters the NBA has his "welcome-to-the-league" moment. It usually happens when certain players get posterized, get crossed up, or have their opponents drop countless points on them. However, a few moments during the game aren't as visible but stick with the rookie and teach them a lesson. And it usually comes from a veteran.
Karlo Matkovic, the Croatian center, got a different type of welcome-to-the-league moment. It happened in the second half of the 2024-2025 regular season, when the New Orleans Pelicans played the Phoenix Suns. During a play while setting a screen, the Croatian center was hit in the stomach. At first, he didn't realize who punched him. When he turned around, he saw Kevin Durant .
Even though it was clear KD hit him on purpose, Karlo never made a big deal out of it — mainly because he was a rookie and any reaction would cause him serious financial damage. At that point, Matkovic was doing everything he could to earn his spot in the rotation. Therefore, any type of incident would keep him away from the basketball court.
" At first I didn't react because I didn't know what happened. I didn't even see who it was. I looked, turned around and said, 'Is it possible? What now?' And I was like, there is no point in rushing at him; If I go after him, if I hit him, it is over; I'm going home. They will give me a fine and suspension. I don't have money for this," said Matkovic.
Luckily for Matkovic, his focus on the game and his rookie contract prevented him from doing anything that would warrant punishment. A few months later, his calmness paid off. Before a preseason game next season, Durant personally apologized to him, explaining it was exclusively his fault.
As Karlo recalled on the "6.75range" podcast, it was nothing personal.
" He apologized to me. He said he was in a really bad place and that he didn't even want to (hit me). He wanted to grab me. And he got carried away and hit me," explained Matkovic.
What started as a potential fight ended up as a funny conversation. If Matkovic had never gotten hit, he wouldn't be in a position to find out what a guy Durant is. And if the Pelicans' center is asked, KD is a great dude.
When it comes to full circle, Matkovic is grateful he got hit by an all-time great. That whole incident, as Karlo joked, was great advertising for him.
" He came later, apologized. We talked a little. He made some jokes. He is a really cool guy. I can't say anything to him; he remembered," said Matkovic.
All things considered, things went smoothly. Matkovic didn't get embarrassed by some crazy move, didn't receive a fine or suspension, and one of the best players ever remembered him. Keeping his cool and continuing as if nothing happened earned him some respect from Durant and created a memory that will last forever.
After spending two decent seasons with the Pelicans and finding his place in the rotation, the club from New Orleans exercised Karlo's third-year option. In addition to his good performances in the league, the fact that Matkovic didn't react after getting hit by a great player like Durant shows he is ready to modestly climb his way to the top.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
