Vlade Divac Named Kings' V.P. of Basketball & Franchise Operations
SACRAMENTO (KHTK/AP) - Former Kings great Vlade Divac has been named Vice President Of Basketball and Franchise Operations for the Sacramento Kings. The organization made the announcement in written statement on Tuesday.
To the people of Sacramento, Vlade Divac will always be a King.
Number 21 played a major role in the team's playoff run in the 2001-02 season. Now, Divac will play a vital role in the Kings' future. Divac will act as an advisor to the front office and coaching staff along with facilitating "talent evaluation" and help build relationships between the Sacramento Kings and European athletes.
"With an unparalleled philanthropic track record that spans the globe, Vlade Divac is the epitome of our NBA 3.0 philosophy," wrote Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé. "He has a unique perspective and global stature that will only further elevate our organization around the world."
Divac stated it was a "great honor" to return to the Capitol city.
"Sacramento and the Kings organization were always in my thoughts and I often dreamed of having a role in helping our amazing fans realize the ultimate NBA prize," he said. "I'm thankful to Vivek for the opportunity and look forward to creating more special memories here."
Divac retired from basketball in 2007 and served as president of the Serbian Olympic Committee two years later.
He averaged 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game over 1,134 career NBA games with the Lakers, Charlotte and Sacramento. Divac is only one of four players in league history with at least 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, 1,200 steals and 1,600 blocked shots, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett.
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