Why Tomislav Ivisic’s 6'8" Frame Defies NBA Norms — The Unseen Threat of a Big Man Who Shoots From Outside

The Myth of the Big Man

I grew up watching my father argue with coaches over whether a seven-footer could ever be more than just an enforcer. Back then, if you were tall, you were supposed to crash the glass—not shoot from twenty feet out.

Tomislav Ivisic changed that.

He shot 9.9 threes per hundred possessions last season at 35.7%. That’s elite efficiency for any player—let alone one who stands 6’8” (203cm). He doesn’t need to drive to score; he pulls defenders out by simply standing still and letting fly.

The Silent Defense

People ask: Can he protect the rim?

His block rate is low—4.0%. But here’s what they miss: he doesn’t need to jump to alter outcomes.

His length and wings force shooters into high-efficiency attempts—contested mid-air throws that crack the net before they’re released.

Opponents shoot just 38.5% at the rim against him—not because he swats them down, but because his presence distorts timing.

The Passer in Disguise

He averaged 2.3 assists per game on only 26 minutes of floor time. His vision? Preternatural. When doubled in the post, he didn’t panic—he found shooters with his eyes closed. That’s not skill—it’s spatial intelligence built into his bones.

Why We Miss Him

The NBA still equates size with stasis. They want giants who bang—but not giants who think. Ivisic isn’t flawed—he’s ahead of curve. His offense? A weaponized spacing tool. His defense? A gravity well that bends shots into bad angles. The system isn’t ready for him… yet.