STATS AT A GLANCE
291 2-Pointers made across two peak EuroLeague seasons.
12+ Major Professional Titles
3x EuroLeague Monthly MVP
195 Rebounds (Led EuroLeague 2012-13)
About Ante
Ante Tomić is much more than a 7-foot-2 center; he is one of the most intelligent and technically gifted players to grace European courts in the 21st century. Known as a “point-center,” Tomić revolutionized his position thanks to a privileged court vision and footwork reminiscent of the classic Balkan school of basketball.
Over two decades, he has established himself as a legend of the Liga Endesa, becoming the foreign player with the most appearances in the history of FC Barcelona and a fundamental pillar for both Real Madrid and Joventut Badalona. His trophy cabinet, filled with League and Cup titles, is matched only by his reputation as a silent leader and a benchmark for competitive longevity. In an era of increasingly physical basketball, Tomić continues to prove every week that intelligence and technique always have a place at the elite level.
“My reaction was, finally, someone did it, and it was just a matter of time before it was going to happen.”
Career Milestone Timeline
- 2004: Signs his first professional contract with KK Zagreb.
- 2008: Named Adriatic League (ABA) MVP, establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
- 2008: Drafted by the Utah Jazz (NBA) as the 44th overall pick.
- Jan 2010: Moves to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.
- 2011: Earns his first All-ACB First Team selection.
- 2012: Lifts the Copa del Rey trophy with Madrid before becoming a free agent.
- 2012: Joins FC Barcelona, becoming a rare player to cross the “El Clásico” divide.
- 2013 & 2014: Selected for the All-EuroLeague First Team in back-to-back seasons.
- 2014: Crowned Liga ACB Champion after a dominant playoff run.
- 2018: Appointed Captain of FC Barcelona, the first foreign player to hold the honor in years.
- 2018 & 2019: Leads the team to consecutive Copa del Rey titles.
- 2020: Departs as the foreign player with the most games played (579) in Barça history.
- 2020: Signs with Joventut Badalona, returning to his roots in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
- 2022: Becomes the all-time leader in PIR (Performance Index Rating) in EuroCup history.
- Present: Continues to lead the Liga ACB in efficiency, serving as a mentor to the next generation of “La Penya” talents.
Ante has been a constant fixture for his country at every level:
- Youth Levels: Member of the U16, U18, and U20 squads. Played in the 2005 European U18 Championship and the 2006/2007 European U20 Championships.
- Senior Team Success:
- Gold Medal: 2009 Mediterranean Games.
- World Championships: Represented Croatia in 2010 and 2014.
- EuroBasket: Played in the 2011, 2013, and 2015 European Championships.
While Ante Tomić chose to cement his legacy in the EuroLeague and Liga ACB, his name has been a recurring fixture in NBA front-office transactions for three decades.
Draft Day: 2008
Ante Tomić was selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft with the 44th overall pick. At just 21 years old, he was considered a high-upside “draft-and-stash” prospect due to his 7-foot-2 frame and elite passing vision.
A Decades-Long “Asset”
Although Tomić expressed little interest in leaving Europe—stating as recently as 2025 that he watches “zero NBA”—his draft rights became a useful currency for teams looking to facilitate larger deals:
- Utah Jazz (2008–2020): The Jazz held his rights for 12 years, often listing him as a “foreign asset” in roster breakdowns while he dominated for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
- The New York Knicks Trade (2020): In November 2020, the New York Knicks acquired his rights from Utah as part of a draft-night package to move up to the 23rd overall pick (used for Leandro Bolmaro, later traded).
- Portland Trail Blazers (2023–Present): On February 9, 2023, his rights were traded again, this time to the Portland Trail Blazers. This move was part of a complex four-team trade that sent Josh Hart to the Knicks.
Current Status
As of April 2026, the Portland Trail Blazers officially hold Ante Tomić’s NBA draft rights. Because he was a second-round pick, these rights do not expire as long as he remains an active professional player outside the NBA.
At 39 years old and having recently signed a contract extension with Joventut Badalona through 2028, Tomić is widely expected to retire in Spain without ever appearing in an NBA game.
Individual Awards & Achievements
Ante Tomić’s track record reflects his constant dominance in the European elite. Throughout his career, he has been recognized not only for his scoring but for his efficiency and global impact on the game.
European Recognition (EuroLeague & EuroCup)
- All-EuroLeague First Team (2): 2012-13, 2013-14.
- All-EuroLeague Second Team (1): 2014-15.
- EuroLeague MVP of the Month (3): February 2013, February 2014, March 2014 (First player in history to win it in consecutive months).
- EuroCup All-Time Leader in PIR (Performance Index Rating).
Spanish League Recognition (Liga ACB)
- All-ACB First Team (4): 2010-11, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2018-19.
- All-ACB Second Team (2): 2013-14, 2015-16.
- Liga ACB Rebounding Leader: 2016-17 season.
- Multiple-time MVP of the Week and Month.
Other Career Milestones
- Adriatic League (ABA) MVP: 2009 (with KK Zagreb).
- Croatian League Top Scorer: 2009.
- Club Record: Foreign player with the most games played for FC Barcelona (579 official matches).
Coaches about Ante
“”I feel bad for Ante Tomić [that he wasn’t named MVP]. He has had an incredible tournament and has given us so much.”
“For me, you are still the best passer and the person with the best understanding of the game at the ‘5’ position that I have ever coached.”
Xavi Pascual
“Es un faro para nosotros. Su capacidad para leer lo que necesita el equipo en cada momento es algo que no se enseña, se tiene”.
Dani Miret
During a lighthearted moment after winning the Copa del Rey in 2019, Tomić jokingly questioned the traditional Balkan greeting:
Tomić to Pešić: “Do we really have to kiss three times?”
(Pešić simply nodded, insisting on the traditional three-kiss greeting after the victory).