When the Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on March 17, former coach Stephen Silas took a moment to shout out each player who played a role in the 114-112 victory inside the Toyota Center.
Jabari Smith Jr. scored the go-ahead 3-point field goal to give the Rockets a two-point advantage. But Silas placed a hefty emphasis on the contributions from Boban Marjanovic. He subbed in during the final seconds and sealed the Rockets' victory by tipping the Pelicans' inbound pass as time expired.
Marjanovic's clutch defensive play showcased that the 7-foot-4 star big man from Serbia made the smallest but significant plays for the Rockets throughout the 2022-23 campaign.
"I was so happy for Boban," Silas said. "He has not had many opportunities to affect games. He got his finger on it, and the game was over. He is one of those guys everybody loves. He works really hard and deserves something really good. That was a huge play."
Marjanovic averaged nearly six minutes in the 31 games he played for the Rockets. Every time he stepped onto the court, he made a positive impact in one way or another.
Before recording a game-winning tip, Marjanovic played a role in helping the Rockets slow down Pelicans' big man Jonas Valanciunas, who had posted 20 points and 15 rebounds entering the final period. But once Marjanovic took him out of rhythm, Valanciunas recorded just two points and a pair of rebounds during the fourth quarter.
But Marjanovic's most influential attribute was the positivity he provided throughout Houston's disappointing season. Silas and his teammates say Marjanovic never had a bad day. Marjanovic's positivity within Houston's locker room played a major role in how he became one of the six finalists for the NBA's Sportsmanship Award.
"I am glad he is getting the recognition around the league for being a great person and a great teammate," Silas said. "I was with him in Dallas, and he was the same way. He brightens the room when he comes in. He is just an amazing person.
"For our group, he is so important. He works and is always ready. During times of adversity, he claps those big hands to get everyone straight. There is not a person who have come across Boban who doesn't love him. That's an amazing trait to have.
Stats: Averaged 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 31 games played with the Rockets.
Contract: Marjanovic will become an unrestricted free agent in July.
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