The Pelicans have picked up the $2.3MM third-year team option on big man Karlo Matkovic, the team announced (via Twitter).

Matkovic played 62 games for New Orleans last season, averaging 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in just 14.7 minutes per game, while also hitting 42.2% of his threes.

With big men in and out of the rotation throughout the year, the 25-year-old became an important part of the team’s bench rotation and demonstrated the flexibility of his skillset to play with many of the Pelicans’ frontcourt players.

With Kevon Looney‘s $8MM team option still undecided, Matkovic has a chance to solidify his status as the team’s primary backup power forward next season.