Luis Edu
On June 7, 1993, the basketball player Dražen Petrović died tragically, and in this article we will remember some aspects of his life, especially his short but outstanding appearance in the NBA.
Despite dying at 28, the Croatian racked up enough numbers to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the class of 2002.
How Did Dražen Petrović Die?
After posting a star performance with the New Jersey Nets in the 1992/93 NBA season, the shooting guard lost his life in a tragic traffic accident that occurred on a highway in Europe when he was on his way home, after representing the Croatian national team.
Among the details that were leaked to the press, it was learned that the former player was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a truck that lost control.
Michael Jordan’s Reaction to the Death of Dražen Petrović
Considered by many to be the best basketball player of all times, Michael Jordan, dedicated some heartfelt words to Petrović, with whom he had the opportunity to share the court for several NBA seasons.
It was a thrill to play against Dražen. Every time we competed, he competed with an aggressive attitude. He wasn’t nervous. He came at me as hard as I came at him. So, we’ve had some great battles in the past and unfortunately, they were short battles.
Michael Jordan
Words that demonstrate the Europeans’ enormous respect he earned on the part of the stars of American basketball in the 1990s.
Dražen Petrović’s Numbers in the NBA
After being taken in the third round of the draft of the best league in the world, the 1.95 meter tall man posted very good numbers over five seasons, 2 with the Portland Trail Blazers and 3 with the New Jersey Nets.
Petrović accumulated a total of 290 appearances, leaving averages per game of: 15.4 points, 2.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds. In addition, he recorded 50.6% shooting from the field and 43.7% shooting from three points.
A legend who opened the doors of the NBA to Europeans, who little by little have been taking over the spotlight. For example, the last four MVP awards went to two players from the old continent: Giannis Antetokounmpo (2), and Nikola Jokić (2).
