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Pistons’ Marjanovic struggles in Eurobasket final

By Brenden Welper

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 17: Gasper Vidmar (14) of Slovenia in action against Boban Marjanovic (51) of Serbia during the FIBA Eurobasket 2017 final basketball match between Slovenia and Serbia at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkey on September 17, 2017. (Photo by Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 17: Gasper Vidmar (14) of Slovenia in action against Boban Marjanovic (51) of Serbia during the FIBA Eurobasket 2017 final basketball match between Slovenia and Serbia at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkey on September 17, 2017. (Photo by Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons center Boban Marjanovic was a non-factor in the 2017 Eurobasket final. He couldn’t replicate the offensive production he displayed earlier in the tournament. Marjanovic will see his next action later this month, when he and the Pistons begin training camp.

Boban Marjanovic‘s performance in the 2017 Eurobasket final was nothing short of a letdown. The Detroit Pistons center had little impact on the game, finishing with six points, three rebounds and three fouls in 15 minutes of play. He shot 20 percent (1 for 5) from the field, as Serbia fell to Slovenia 93-85.

Marjanovic came into Sunday’s contest averaging 13.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in the tournament.  Serbia gave him plenty of isolation post-ups early in the opening quarter.

Aside from drawing a pair of shooting fouls, Marjanovic never found his offensive touch. He was simply too indecisive with the basketball. Boban didn’t attack off the catch, and was even hesitant to use his dribble.

Marjanovic’s lone bucket was a jumper from the right elbow off a pick and pop. That came at the 7:33 mark of the third quarter.

The seven-footer also had trouble defensively. Serbia staggered their two big men near each elbow, leaving the lane wide open. Slovenia caught onto this quickly. They switched their guards onto Marjanovic in order to create a mismatch. Once that happened, they easily drove past him on their way to the basket.

Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic put on quite the show, leading all scorers with 35 points on 12 for 22 shooting. He also lead his team in rebounds (seven) and assists (three).

The Dragon punished Serbia in the paint and on the perimeter. Dragic weaved his way through multiple defenders, refusing to be denied. His relentless penetration earned him nine trips to the free throw line. He made all but one.

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It may be the end of the road for Serbia, but it’s only the beginning for Boban. He’ll report to training camp with the Detroit Pistons later this month.

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