Talk with Dražen Petrović

Dražen Petrović was a Croatian professional basketball player who is considered one of the greatest European basketball players of all time. Born on October 22, 1964, in Šibenik, Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia), Petrović achieved tremendous success both in European leagues and the NBA.

Petrović began his professional career in Europe, playing for teams such as Cibona Zagreb and Real Madrid, where he won numerous titles and individual awards. His success in Europe included multiple national championships, European club championships, and being a top scorer in various competitions.

In 1989, Dražen Petrović joined the NBA, initially playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he truly excelled after being traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he became one of the league's premier shooting guards. Known for his scoring ability, particularly his exceptional shooting range, Dražen quickly became a fan favorite and was recognized as one of the best shooters in the NBA.

Tragically, Petrović's life and career were cut short by a car accident in Germany on June 7, 1993, at the age of 28. Despite his brief career, Petrović's impact on the game was profound, influencing numerous international players and helping to globalize the NBA.

Dražen Petrović is remembered through various honors, including being posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy also lives on through awards named in his honor and his status as a national hero in Croatia.

Dražen Petrović had a notable impact in Olympic basketball, representing Yugoslavia and later Croatia. He first appeared in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where Yugoslavia won the bronze medal. In these games, Petrović emerged as a young talent, contributing significantly to his team's performance.

His most memorable Olympic performance, however, came during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Dražen was a key player on the Yugoslavian team that won the silver medal, finishing second to the Soviet Union. His scoring ability, basketball IQ, and competitiveness were on full display throughout the tournament.

After Croatia gained independence, Petrović represented his new country in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. As the team's leader, Dražen was instrumental in Croatia reaching the finals, where they ultimately won the silver medal, losing to the United States' "Dream Team." This achievement was particularly significant, showcasing Croatia's basketball prowess on the world stage shortly after its establishment as an independent nation. Dražen's performances in these games further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest European basketball players of all time.

Current NBA players often view Dražen Petrović with a great deal of respect, honoring him as a trailblazer and one of the pioneering international players in the NBA. Petrović's influence extends beyond his statistics; his fierce competitiveness and exceptional shooting prowess are frequently cited as inspirational. Many players, especially European and international ones, see him as a role model who paved the way for their success in the league.

Players like Dirk Nowitzki and Goran Dragić have publicly expressed their admiration for Petrović's game and his impact on their careers. His legacy is also preserved through the praise of many American players who recognize his contributions to globalizing the NBA. His untimely death often brings a note of tragedy when discussing his potential and the far-reaching impact he could have had had his career not been cut short.

Dražen Petrović had a significant impact during his short time in the NBA, despite a late start and an untimely end. He joined the Portland Trail Blazers in 1989 after being drafted in 1986 and spending several years playing in Europe. His time with Portland, however, did not fully showcase his talents, as his playing time was limited.

His career took a turn for the better when he was traded to the New Jersey Nets in 1991. It was with the Nets that Petrović's NBA career truly blossomed. In the 1991-1992 season, he became a starter, averaging 20.6 points per game with a .508 shooting percentage from the field. His prowess as a shooter was further highlighted in the following season (1992-1993), where he averaged 22.3 points per game and led the league in three-point shooting percentage at .449.

During his time with the Nets, Petrović earned a reputation as one of the premier shooters in the league. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 1993, a testament to his skill and impact on the court. His ability to score, coupled with his aggressive play and competitiveness, made him a fan favorite and respected opponent.

Tragically, Dražen Petrović's career was cut short when he died in a car accident in Germany in June 1993, after just four seasons in the NBA. His legacy lives on, however, as he is remembered as a trailblazer for European players in the NBA and one of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Dražen Petrović.