Vlade Divac Quotes
- Basketball player
- Serbia
- 1968
Vlade Divac is a retired Serbian professional basketball player and current executive. He is best known for his successful career in the NBA, where he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings. Divac was a skilled center and was known for his passing abilities and le…Read More
Vlade Divac is a retired Serbian professional basketball player and current executive. He is best known for his successful career in the NBA, where he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings. Divac was a skilled center and was known for his passing abilities and leadership on the court. He was also a key member of the Yugoslavian national team, winning a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics and a gold medal at the 1990 FIBA World Championship. After retiring from playing, Divac became the first non-American to be appointed as an NBA team’s general manager, serving for the Sacramento Kings. He is also known for his humanitarian work, including founding the Vlade Divac Foundation to help children affected by war in his home country.Read Less
Vlade Divac is a retired Serbian professional basketball player and current executive. He is best known for his successful career in the NBA, where he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings. Divac was a skilled center and was known for his passing abilities and leadership on the court. He was also a key member of the Yugoslavian national team, winning a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics and a gold medal at the 1990 FIBA World Championship. After retiring from playing, Divac became the first non-American to be appointed as an NBA team’s general manager, serving for the Sacramento Kings. He is also known for his humanitarian work, including founding the Vlade Divac Foundation to help children affected by war in his home country.
Vlade Divac Career Highlights
- Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft
- Played for the Lakers from 1989-1996, winning the NBA Championship in 2000
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1990
- Played for the Charlotte Hornets from 1996-1998
- Played for the Sacramento Kings from 1998-2004, becoming the first player born and trained outside of the United States to play in over 1,000 NBA games
- Named to the NBA All-Star team in 2001
- Inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019
Key Contributions by Vlade Divac
- Pioneered the role of the “stretch five” in the NBA, utilizing his height and shooting ability to play both inside and outside the paint
- Known for his exceptional passing skills, averaging 3.1 assists per game throughout his career
- Helped popularize basketball in his home country of Serbia and throughout Europe, inspiring a new generation of players
- Served as the President of the Serbian Olympic Committee from 2009-2017, promoting sports and physical education in the country
- Co-founded the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, which focuses on humanitarian work and providing aid to children in need in Serbia and the United States
What Sets Vlade Divac Apart
- Divac’s unique combination of size, skill, and versatility made him a valuable asset on the court and a trailblazer for international players in the NBA
- His dedication to giving back to his community and using his platform for philanthropy sets him apart as a compassionate and socially conscious athlete
- Divac’s impact on the game of basketball extends beyond his playing career, as he continues to be involved in various organizations and initiatives promoting the sport and its values
Takeaways
- Vlade Divac’s career highlights and contributions have solidified his place as one of the greatest international players in NBA history
- His impact on the game and his community serve as a testament to his talent, hard work, and character
- Divac’s legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of players and athletes, showcasing the power of sports to bring people together and make a positive impact.