There have been plenty of dark moments for the Sixers over the last decade or so. One source of sunshine was the 22-game stint Boban Marjanovic spent in Philadelphia.
Now, the massive Serbian is reportedly heading back overseas to finish his playing career.
When the Sixers made the blockbuster deal with the Clippers for Tobias Harris back in 2019, his best friend Marjanovic and forward Mike Scott were also a part of the trade. The Bobi and Tobi Show had a nice honeymoon phase in Philly. Harris was having a borderline All-Star season in L.A., and Marjanovic and Scott were solid depth pieces. Marjanovic played a huge role in the Sixers’ first-round series win over the Nets while Scott proved to be an indispensable bench piece for Brett Brown, nailing a game-winning corner three to seal Game 4 in Brooklyn.
The good times ended quickly, however. Marjanovic struggled during the Raptors series and chose to sign with the Mavericks during the offseason. Scott was never the same player and is now out of the league. Harris … yeah.
Marjanovic spent three seasons in Dallas before playing the last two in Houston. His playing time had dwindled over the years, but Marjanovic was always renowned for his leadership, professionalism, and being a great teammate. All told, the 7-foot-4 big man spent nine seasons in the NBA with the Spurs, Pistons, Clippers, Sixers, Mavericks and Rockets. After joining the league as 27-year-old rookie, Marjanovic played in 331 NBA games.
Prior to joining San Antonio, Marjanovic started his professional career in his native Serbia in 2006. He also spent time playing in Russia and Lithuania. Now 36, he reportedly heads back overseas to play in Istanbul, Turkey.
What everyone would really like to see is more of Bobi the actor. His parts in John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum and the Philly-based Adam Sandler basketball movie Hustle only endeared him more to the basketball world.
The NBA will miss Boban.
