Each day until the 2025 NBA Draft, Pippen Ain't Easy will profile one prospect who makes sense as a fit for the Bulls in either the first or second round. These players could fill a need, such as on-ball defense or rim protection, or could fit an archetype that Chicago lacks on its current roster, like an athletic big man or 3-and-D wing.
Continuing our trend of highlighting potential second-rounders, we'll pivot back overseas to spotlight our third foreign-born prospect, Bogoljub Markovic. The Serbian forward is a 6-foot-11, 213-pound modern stretch big. He shoots the three-ball well, can put the ball on the deck, and has displayed some intriguing passing instincts.
Markovic suits up for KK Mega Basket of the Liga ABA, an Eastern European league of teams from Serbia, Slovenia, and more. The 19-year-old averaged 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 54.6 percent from the floor and 38.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Born in Serbia, Markovic has seen a rapid ascent in recent years, from averaging 6.3 points per game for KK Mega Leks U18 squad at 16 to making multiple appearances for the big league team in the Liga ABA as a 17-year-old. However, Markovic never saw much action until this past season, where he averaged 29.2 minutes per contest as a starter.
Bogoljub Markovic's scouting report
As a 6-foot-11 stretch four, Markovic will surely be coveted, especially in a particularly light second round, expected to be full of 22- and 23-year-old collegians. The 19-year-old's appeal is obvious, and it begins with a vast offensive arsenal accompanied by his modern mobility and fluidity.
Offense
Markovic averaged 13.9 points per game, finishing third on KK Mega Basket. Among his teammates, he demonstrated the most well-rounded game. He placed second in field goal percentage, fifth in three-point percentage, and attempted the most free throws per contest.
Although Markovic is a distinct stretch four, he does much more offensively than hoist spot-up triples. The 19-year-old is a nifty post-scorer, capable of scoring with both hands. He does a terrific job of keeping the ball high, not bringing it down, leading to quick buckets and alleviating concerns of getting blocked or stripped.
The Serbian forward's lack of strength is apparent, especially when scoring in the paint. He's easily bumped off his spot and doesn't finish well through contact. Markovic does make up for a lack of physicality with his impressive length. However, his length won't be nearly as imposing in the NBA. His 6-foot-11 and a half wingspan isn't noteworthy, but a 9-foot-2 standing reach does do Markovic justice—and it shows up in the Liga ABA.
Markovic stands out offensively in pick-and-roll and pop situations. As previously mentioned, he does a terrific job keeping the ball high upon the catch, which bodes well in the pick-and-roll. Markovic makes it easy for guards to find him while rolling to the rim, routinely finding the open space rather than taking a straight line to the rim. Upon the catch, he's shown the ability to utilize a dribble or two to get off a better shot, also employing push shots and running hooks when he's a foot inside the paint.
The pick-and-pop suits Markovic just as well as the pick-and-roll. He takes notice when his defender drops in coverage to instead pop out to the three-point line for an open look. Upon the catch on the perimeter, Markovic is a confident marksman. His shot is fluid and consistent. While a bit rigid, it works in Markovic's favor as a stretch big. His release is high, and his arc goes well beyond the top of the backboard. The Serb's shot is picturesque once it leaves his hands.
Attacking closeouts isn't Markovic's primary weapon. He typically prefers to let it fly. But that doesn't mean he can't attack closeouts. Markovic does a fine job putting the ball on the floor and is crafty enough to get to the rim. As of now, he's a straight-line driver who doesn't possess a unique handle.
Although his half-court handle is limited, he's more than comfortable grabbing and going in transition. Markovic uses his long strides to get down the floor with ease, but he shouldn't be trusted to dribble in traffic. What he does do well is find the open man—he's a more-than-willing passer, averaging 2.6 dimes per game. On the downside, he averaged 2.7 turnovers per contest, which shows up on film, as he tends to make risky passes.
Defense
Where Markovic fits defensively is difficult to project in the NBA. He's long and lanky, yet only 213 pounds, boasting an incredibly narrow frame. While Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren is a valid physical comparison, being listed between 208 and 213 pounds, his wingspan, of at least 7-foot-6, makes up for his slight frame. Markovic, unfortunately, boasts a wingspan of less than 7 feet.
He averaged 0.9 blocks and an exceptionally high 3.2 fouls per game. Markovic's blocks are almost purely a byproduct of his height. His timing is so-so, and his positioning isn't always the best, but his hustle is apparent, and he plays with frenetic energy.
Markovic's energy does lead to a decent amount of steals for a 6-foot-11 big. He totaled 0.8 steals per contest and a 1.6 steal percentage. The forward is quick enough to jump passing lanes and possesses the requisite IQ to step up and intercept passes.
What makes Markovic's defensive fit questionable starts and ends with on-ball defense. He isn't burly enough to bang in the post. He gets backed down easily and is prone to fouling. Markovic can force difficult shots when playing straight up, utilizing his 9-foot-2 standing reach. That's just uncommon, as he routinely allows his opposition to obtain deep paint position.
Markovic can defend in space in a pinch, but guarding the perimeter shouldn't be asked of him often. A hard hedge, or a show-and-go, best suits Markovic when defending the pick-and-roll. His switchability is lacking at this point, and he's far from an intimidating presence to excel in drop coverage.
Bogoljub Markovic's fit with the Chicago Bulls
Markovic will take some time to find his footing in the NBA. He does numerous things well, such as running the floor, spotting up from three, and competing both offensively, defensively, and on the glass. Still, he needs to make gargantuan strides physically. Gaining 10-to-15 pounds would benefit Markovic to no end.
At 6-foot-11 and 213 pounds, Markovic is built similarly to current Bull, Matas Buzelis. While making a playstyle comparison is not feasible, both forwards require adding bulk to succeed best in the NBA. Unlike the athletic Buzelis, Markovic projects as a spot-up marksman.
The Bulls are thin at power forward, only rostering Buzelis, who's more of a small forward. Markovic won't fill the Bulls' void at the four immediately, but his mix of spot-up shotmaking and on-ball creation is enticing in Billy Donovan's uptempo, space-and-pace offense. A Markovic-Josh Giddey or Markovic-Coby White pick-and-pop is alluring.
Markovic could ultimately be a draft-and-stash candidate or one to suit up primarily in the G-League. Adding strength is imperative for his development—he won't be able to hold his own in the NBA next season. There are shades of former Thunder forward Aleksej Pokuševski to Markovic, especially athletically, which could be seen as a positive or negative. Nonetheless, a 6-foot-11 sharpshooter will forever be valued.
For more prospect profiles and all things draft-related, check out Pippen Ain't Easy's Chicago Bulls draft page. A new prospect's scouting report will be added daily.