Vlade Divac
The passing center who became the beating heart of Sacramento's golden era.
Vlade Divac is a Serbian professional basketball executive and a former player who was most recently the vice president of basketball operations and general manager of the Sacramento Kings. At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), Divac played center and, unlike many centers, was known for his passing skills. He was among the first group of European basketball players to transfer to the NBA in the late 1980s. Divac signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings on January 22, 1999, where he played for six seasons alongside fellow countryman Peja Stojaković. Teamed with Stojaković, Hedo Türkoğlu, Chris Webber and Mike Bibby, Divac revitalized the Sacramento Kings franchise. The Kings rose in the NBA ranks, becoming a perennial playoff contender and eventually a championship contender, leading the league in wins in 2001-02. The Kings retired Divac's No. 21 jersey in a ceremony on March 31, 2009.
- Role
- Center
- Affiliation
- Sacramento Kings
- Jersey Number
- 21
- Status
- Retired
- Key Trait
- Passing Center
- Era
- 1999 to 2004
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Divac's time with the Kings began when he signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract as a free agent on January 22, 1999. He played six seasons in Sacramento alongside fellow countryman Peja Stojaković, Hedo Türkoğlu, Chris Webber, and Mike Bibby. Together, they revitalized the franchise, making the Kings a perennial playoff contender and eventually a championship contender. The Kings led the league in wins in 2001-02, but could not get past the Los Angeles Lakers, who beat them controversially in a 7-game series in 2002. After the 2003–04 NBA season, Divac became a free agent and signed a two-year contract to return to the Lakers on July 20, 2004. However, he suffered back problems and could not play most of the season, averaging 2.3 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game in 15 games. On July 14, 2005, 37-year-old Divac announced his retirement. The Kings retired Divac's No. 21 jersey in a ceremony on March 31, 2009.
In Their Own Story
The Kings rose in the NBA ranks after Divac's arrival in 1999, becoming a perennial playoff contender and eventually a championship contender. They led the league in wins in 2001-02. The Kings, however, could not get past the Los Angeles Lakers, who beat them controversially in a 7-game series in 2002. Divac suffered back problems during his return to the Lakers in 2004-05 and could not play most of the season, averaging 2.3 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game in 15 games. He announced his retirement on July 14, 2005. The Kings retired Divac's No. 21 jersey in a ceremony on March 31, 2009.
Reader's Guide
Visiting the Kings' home arena is an immersion into a culture built around Divac's legacy of passing and community connection. Fans often gather near the tunnel exits hoping for a glimpse of legends or to hear the iconic chants that echo through the rafters during clutch moments. The 'Divac' chant, often led by the student section, celebrates his unique ability to move the ball without dribbling, a skill that defined the team's offensive identity. Local traditions include wearing jersey number 21 with pride, even long after his retirement, as a symbol of loyalty and smart basketball. Community interaction is deeply rooted in Divac's humanitarian work; fans frequently engage with charity events organized by the franchise, mirroring his off-court dedication. The atmosphere remains distinct from other NBA markets, characterized by a passionate, knowledgeable crowd that remembers the 'What If' era when Divac led the charge.
Did You Know?
- Divac signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings on January 22, 1999.
- The Kings led the league in wins in 2001-02 with Divac on the team.
- The Kings retired Divac's No. 21 jersey in a ceremony on March 31, 2009.
- Divac played six seasons for the Kings alongside fellow countryman Peja Stojaković.
- Divac is one of seven players in NBA history to record 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, and 1,500 blocked shots.