Boban Marjanovic is no stranger to standing out, both literally and figuratively. While he is best known for his towering presence in the NBA, Boban has also carved out a place for himself in Hollywood. He is a budding actor who has worked in movies like John Wick: Chapter 3 and the Netflix basketball drama, Hustle. Now, the 7-foot-4 inches basketball star is winning hearts with his appearance in Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore 2. He is playing the role of modern-day ‘Mr Larson’, a fan-favourite character who was earlier played by Richard Kiel, whose unfortunate demise in 2014 has led to a change in the cast and the role.
However, fans have accepted Boban as ‘Mr Larson’s’ son wholeheartedly and are excited to see him in the role. But beyond these standout moments on the court and on screen, Boban has a more complex story, one that is shaped by unique genetics and a possible medical condition that may explain his extraordinary height. As one of the tallest people in professional sports and entertainment, Boban’s life has captured attention for more than just his talent. Here’s a closer look at the man behind the height and the rare condition that may have played a part in his journey.
Who is Boban Marjanovic, the new ‘Mr Larson’ in Happy Gilmore 2?
Boban Marjanovic is a Serbian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association. He is known for his incredible height and stands at over 7 feet 4 inches, which makes him one of the tallest players in NBA history ever. He has become a beloved figure in the NBA world and beyond. He is someone who is loved not just for his ace athletic skills, but also for his gentle personality, humour, and acting skills. He’s often called the ‘gentle giant’ all for, a good reason by his fans.
Boban Marjanovic spent his early life in Serbia and went from a small town to global spotlight
Boban was born in Boljevac, a small town in Serbia, on August 15, 1988. Basketball was his first passion, and he began playing professionally for the Serbian team from a young age of 14. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his height and talent. Before he knew it, he was already walking towards an international career. He played professionally in Europe before joining the NBA in 2015.
Boban entered the NBA world with the San Antonio Spurs, and since then, he has played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks. He is often used as a role player, and plays as a centre for his team. Currently, he is signed with the Zhejiang Lions. His on-court precision and off-court charm have captured everyone’s heart and have made him a fan favourite.
The reason behind Boban Marjanovic’s extraordinary height
Boban is among the tallest players in NBA history. As of now, he stands at 7 feet and 4 inches, an extremely rare height that’s often linked to medical conditions involving abnormal growth. Boban had always been tall, but everyone else in his family is of average height.
Any official confirmation or statement on the reason behind his height has not been made by Boban or his team. This has led to a fair share of speculations and rumours. Some doctors have suggested that his size may be due to a condition known as pituitary gigantism. This is a condition which is caused by excessive production of growth hormone, it is usually a result of a tumour on the pituitary gland.
As defined in medical science, pituitary gigantism is a rare disorder where the body produces too much growth hormone during childhood, which often leads to abnormal growth of bones and tissues. The condition is typically diagnosed in children or teens and can result in symptoms like extreme height, large hands and feet, and facial changes. However, it is a manageable condition, and with proper care, people with this condition can live healthy lives.
Is Boban Marjanovic suffering from Marfan syndrome?
While some believe Boban’s condition is caused by pituitary gigantism, others have speculated that he may have Marfan syndrome. It is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and is often associated with physical symptoms like tall stature, long limbs, and heart complications. While Boban’s appearance, particularly his height and limb length, might resemble some symptoms of this condition, there is no confirmed medical evidence that can link him to Marfan syndrome.
In fact, it is important to know that Marfan can reportedly limit physical activity due to the heart risks being one of its symptoms. Yet, Boban has maintained a long, physically demanding professional basketball career, making it extremely unlikely he has a severe form of the Marfan disorder. However, with no history of his medical records available, all these reports remain speculations that are yet to be confirmed.
Is Boban Marjanovic living with a disorder?
While Boban has not openly confirmed any medical diagnosis, speculation about his gigantism has always been the talk of the town due to his height and physical proportions. However, he has always appeared healthy and physically capable to be an ace performer on court. Experts believe his condition may be a mild or well-managed form of the disorder he could possibly be suffering from, or he can simply be an extreme example of natural growth variation. As of now, nothing is confirmed by Boban himself.
Despite his medical condition, Boban leads a fulfilling life. He is known for his positivity, close friendships, especially with fellow NBA player, Tobias Harris, and his love for his family. He often shares light-hearted moments from his life on social media, showing that there are many different sides to him than just his height. Boban is married to Milica Krstic and the couple share two kids, Vuk and Petar.
What are your thoughts about Boban Marjanovic’s condition?
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