Vlade Divac
The passing center who anchored Sacramento's rise to championship contention.
Vlade Divac played center for the Sacramento Kings from 1999 to 2004, after signing a six-year, $62.5 million contract as a free agent on January 22, 1999. Alongside fellow countryman Peja Stojaković, Hedo Türkoğlu, Chris Webber, and Mike Bibby, Divac helped revitalize the Kings franchise. The team rose to become a perennial playoff contender and championship contender, leading the league in wins in 2001-02. Divac's passing skills, unusual for a center, were a key part of the Kings' success.
- Role
- Center
- Affiliation
- Sacramento Kings (1999–2004)
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame Candidate
- Jersey Number
- 21
- Key Achievement
- Led the franchise to the league lead in wins in 2001-02
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Divac's tenure with the Kings began with a six-year, $62.5 million free-agent contract signed on January 22, 1999. He played six seasons alongside fellow countryman Peja Stojaković, as well as Hedo Türkoğlu, Chris Webber, and Mike Bibby. Together, they revitalized the Sacramento Kings franchise, turning it into a perennial playoff contender and eventually a championship contender. The Kings led the league in wins in 2001-02. However, they 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.
In Their Own Story
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, however, could not get past the Los Angeles Lakers, who beat them controversially in a 7-game series in 2002. Divac's passing skills were a hallmark of his game; he was known for his passing skills unlike many centers. His trademark moves included a mid-range shot at the top of the key and flip shots around the rim, while facing the complete opposite direction. The Kings retired Divac's No. 21 jersey in a ceremony on March 31, 2009.
Reader's Guide
Vlade Divac played for the Sacramento Kings from 1999 to 2004, signing a six-year, $62.5 million contract as a free agent on January 22, 1999. He was a center known for his passing skills, a trait unusual for a center. His trademark moves included a mid-range shot at the top of the key and flip shots around the rim, while facing the complete opposite direction. Teamed with Peja Stojaković, Hedo Türkoğlu, Chris Webber, and Mike Bibby, Divac revitalized the Sacramento Kings franchise. The Kings rose to become a perennial playoff contender and championship contender, leading the league in wins in 2001-02. The Kings could not get past the Los Angeles Lakers, who beat them controversially in a 7-game series in 2002. After the 2003-04 season, Divac became a free agent and signed a two-year contract to return to the Lakers on July 20, 2004. The Kings retired Divac's No. 21 jersey on March 31, 2009.
Did You Know?
- Divac signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract with the Kings as a free agent on January 22, 1999.
- The Kings led the league in wins in 2001-02, but lost controversially to the Los Angeles Lakers in a 7-game series.
- Divac's No. 21 jersey was retired by the Kings in a ceremony on March 31, 2009.
- Divac played alongside fellow countryman Peja Stojaković for six seasons in Sacramento.
- Divac was known for his passing skills, a trait unusual for a center.