Drazen Petrovic was a very special player who was just starting to taste stardom but unfortunately, his story ended tragically at the age of 28. Today marks 25 years since his passing and it’s only right to honor him as well as share some insight on how he paved the way for today’s international players.
This might be a case of only select fans might remember him- on account of age. Drazen Petrovic was just 28 years old when he passed tragically in a car accident after finishing a game in Germany back on June 7th, 1993. Petrovic, for those who might not know too much about him, was an innovator. At the time, he probably didn’t even know, would have a major influence on some of our favorite stars who we love today.
Nicknamed, “Basketball’s Mozart,” he was quickly having an influence in the states as he was drafted by Portland back in 1986 but didn’t join the team officially till 1989. His playing time was very limited and thus, he demanded a trade from Portland which is why he’s much more remembered as a New Jersey Net.
He joined the Nets on January 23, 1991 and quickly got playing time. He went from averaging 12.6 points per game to finishing what would, unknowingly, be his final NBA season, to averaging 22.3. He set a new standard for all guards in the game and was a unique shooter.
Because of Petrovic, NBA GM’s began expanding their horizons and started to scout players outside of the US and into Europe. Former NBA commissioner David Stern spoke so beautifully of Petrovic as he was the first international player who made a huge influene on the league.
“Drazen Petrovic was an extraordinary young man, and a true pioneer in the global sports of basketball,” NBA commissioner David Stern said of Petrovic’s importance to the NBA. “I know that a lasting part of his athletic legacy will be that he paved the way for other international players to compete successfully in the NBA. His contributions to the sport of basketball were enormous. We are all proud of the fact we knew him.”
Even the GOAT of Twitter, Michael Jordan, had quite a few interactions with him. Check out the highlight below and more importantly, thank God for YouTube because it allows us to go back in time.
Drazen Petrovic, gone entirely too soon just left a thought of what could have been.
Flip the pages to relive some highlights and bring his soul to life.