Vlatko Cancar has become a familiar name for Denver Nuggets fans. Known for his versatility and resilience, this Slovenian forward has steadily made his mark in the NBA.
In this article, you’ll get a clear picture of Cancar’s personal life, early basketball journey, professional achievements, contract details, salary, career earnings, endorsements, and his NBA stats.
Vlatko Cancar’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vlatko Čančar |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1997 |
| Age | 28 |
| Education | San Pablo Burgos (last attended) |
| Nationality | Slovenian |
| Height | 6’8″ (203 cm) |
| Weight | 236 lbs (107 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | $10,958,092 |
| Salary (2024-25) | $2,234,359 |
| Career Earnings | $10,958,092 (NBA salary only) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Eva Mustafić (girlfriend) |
| Instagram Profile | @cancar31 |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Vlatko Cancar was born in Koper, Slovenia, and grew up in a family with roots in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His parents, Ivo and Nevena, supported his basketball dreams from an early age. Cancar’s professional journey began in Slovenia, where he signed his first contract with Union Olimpija in 2015. After showcasing his skills there, he moved to Serbia to play for Mega Leks in 2016.
His performances in Europe, including a stint with San Pablo Burgos in Spain, helped him develop a strong all-around game and caught the attention of NBA scouts. His international experience and determination laid the foundation for his NBA opportunity.
Professional Career
Cancar was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 49th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He officially joined the Nuggets in 2019 and has spent his entire NBA career with the team. While his role has often been as a reserve forward, Cancar has contributed valuable minutes, especially during the Nuggets’ 2023 championship season.
He is known for his basketball IQ, ability to play multiple positions, and solid defense. Despite suffering a torn ACL in 2023, Cancar worked hard to recover and returned to play for both the Nuggets and the Slovenian national team. His resilience and team-first attitude have made him a respected presence in the locker room.
Girlfriend
Vlatko Cancar is in a relationship with Eva Mustafić, a Croatian athlete specializing in hammer throw.
Eva and Vlatko reportedly started dating around 2020, and they often share glimpses of their travels and moments together on social media. Eva is known for her dedication to sports, and the couple supports each other’s careers.
Vlatko Cancar’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Vlatko Cancar’s net worth is estimated at $10,958,092, primarily from his NBA contracts and salary.
Contract
Cancar re-signed with the Denver Nuggets in 2024 after the team declined his option. He agreed to a new one-year veteran minimum contract, which increased his salary slightly while reducing the team’s salary cap hit.
The contract is worth just over $2.3 million for the 2024-25 season, reflecting his five years of NBA service. This move was mutually beneficial for both Cancar and the Nuggets, allowing him to stay with the team while optimizing their salary cap situation.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Vlatko Cancar’s salary is $2,234,359. This figure is based on the NBA’s veteran minimum for a player with his level of experience. His previous salaries have followed a similar structure, increasing gradually as he gained more years in the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Basic Salary | Total Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | $842,166 | $842,166 |
| 2020-21 | $1,517,981 | $1,517,981 |
| 2021-22 | $1,782,621 | $1,782,621 |
| 2022-23 | $2,234,359 | $2,234,359 |
| 2023-24 | $2,234,359 | $2,234,359 |
| 2024-25 | $2,346,606 | $2,346,606 |
| Total | $10,958,092 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | DEN | 14 | 0 | 3.2 | .400 | .167 | 1.000 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.2 |
| 2020-21 | DEN | 41 | 1 | 6.9 | .458 | .273 | .769 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 2.1 |
| 2021-22 | DEN | 15 | 1 | 11.7 | .561 | .583 | .643 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 4.1 |
| 2022-23 | DEN | 60 | 9 | 14.8 | .476 | .374 | .927 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 5.0 |
| 2024-25 | DEN | 13 | 0 | 10.5 | .385 | .267 | 0.0 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.8 |
| Career | 143 | 11 | 10.7 | .472 | .354 | .847 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 3.4 |
FAQs
1. What is Vlatko Cancar’s nationality and background?
Vlatko Cancar is Slovenian by nationality, born in Koper, Slovenia. Both of his parents, Ivo and Nevena Cancar, are originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which gives him a mixed cultural background.
2. Has Cancar ever played for the Slovenian national team?
Yes, Cancar has represented Slovenia in international competitions, including EuroBasket 2017, where Slovenia won the gold medal, and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He is considered an important player for the Slovenian national team.
3. Who is Vlatko Cancar’s girlfriend?
Vlatko Cancar is in a relationship with Eva Mustafić, a Croatian hammer throw athlete. They have been together since around 2020 and often share their moments on social media.
4. What injuries has Cancar faced in his NBA career?
Cancar suffered a torn ACL in 2023, which kept him out for the entire 2023-24 NBA season. He also underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in December 2024 but made a comeback for the 2024-25 season.
5. What are Cancar’s main strengths as a basketball player?
Cancar is known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to play both forward positions. He can shoot from outside, finish at the rim, and contribute defensively. His work ethic and team-first mentality have made him a valuable role player for the Denver Nuggets.
