Who Is Dražen Petrović? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on October 22, 1964, Dražen Petrović would have celebrated his 61st birthday in 2025. Known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he played a vital role in the international success of Yugoslavia and Croatia. His illustrious career in the NBA and European leagues established him as a pioneer for future generations of basketball players from the region. Tragically, he passed away on June 7, 1993, but his legacy continues to resonate in the world of sports.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1964 |
| Age | 28 Years |
| Birth Place | Šibenik, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Croatia |
| Date of death | 7 June, 1993 |
| Died Place | Denkendorf, Germany |
Popularity
Dražen Petrović's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dražen Petrović stood at a remarkable height of 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) and weighed around 195 pounds (88 kg) during his playing days. As an athlete, his measurements would have contributed significantly to his performance on the court, allowing him to be a formidable shooting guard known for his exceptional shooting skills and court vision.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Dražen Petrović was known to keep his personal relationships private. He was famously linked with several notable figures, but there are no records of a long-term girlfriend or wife during his lifetime. His dedication to basketball and family often took precedence over personal relationships, reflecting the personality of a true sportsman who prioritized his professional commitments.
A museum named "The Dražen Petrović Memorial Center" was founded in his honor, and constitutes a co-operative effort led by the Dražen Petrović Foundation in conjunction with the Croatian government, the city of Zagreb and the Croatian Museum of Sports.
The memorial center idea originated from Petrović's parents, Biserka and Jole Petrovic, and was supported with the contributions of Croatian architects Andrija Rusan and Niksa Bilic. All of the articles presented in the center have been collected and categorized by the Croatian Museum of Sports.
The organization and operations of the center have been provided by the Dražen Petrović Foundation, which is led by Petrović's family. The Center contains his No. 3 New Jersey Nets jersey and the watch that stopped when he died in a car crash. The center features 1,000 memorabilia items and a video of his basketball highlights.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Dražen Petrović's estimated net worth was around $10 million. His earnings were accumulated through his successful basketball career in the NBA, where he played for teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Jersey Nets. His talent and marketability also led to various endorsements, which contributed to his financial success.
After his string of very successful seasons with Cibona Zagreb, Petrović needed new challenges that Cibona and the Yugoslav First Federal League could no longer offer him.
The NBA's Portland Trail Blazers had already used their third-round draft pick on the young Petrović, in the 1986 NBA draft, but he had decided to postpone his departure to the United States. In 1988, rather than go to the NBA, he instead signed with the Spanish League club Real Madrid, for around US$4 million in net income.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dražen's basketball career began in Europe, where he made an impact during his time with Cibona Zagreb and Real Madrid, winning numerous national and international titles. His transition to the NBA was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame posthumously in 2002. Although he was not known for a wide range of business ventures, his influence in basketball continues through various initiatives that keep his legacy alive, including basketball academies and charitable foundations.
Seeking a bigger arena after his career started in Europe, Petrović joined the NBA in 1989, as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. After playing mostly off the bench that year, Petrović experienced a breakthrough following a trade to the New Jersey Nets. While starting for the Nets, he became one of the league's best shooting guards.
He was named one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1991. On 7 June 1993, Petrović's career and life were cut short after he died in a car accident in Germany at the age of 28.
Social Network
While Dražen Petrović himself did not participate in social media, his legacy is preserved through various fan pages, tribute accounts, and official sites dedicated to his memory. His impact on the game is celebrated by fans globally, creating a robust online community that honors his contributions to basketball.
Education
Dražen Petrović received a solid education while pursuing his basketball career. However, his focus primarily remained on sports. He played for his school basketball teams, which laid the groundwork for his future in professional basketball. His dedication both to his studies and his athletic career exemplifies the balance of intellect and talent that he embodied.
The 1984 Summer Olympics were Petrović's first competition of a grand scale with the Yugoslavia senior national team, and the bronze medal won in Los Angeles that summer became his first Olympic medal.
Third place was also earned at the 1986 FIBA World Championship, remembered for the last minute thriller in the semi-final game against the Soviet Union. Petrović was named the MVP of the tournament. At the 1987 EuroBasket, Petrović again returned with bronze, as Yugoslavia lost to the hosts and gold medalists Greece.
The University Games, held in Zagreb in 1987, saw the Yugoslavian squad with Petrović win the gold. In the 1988 Summer Olympics, Yugoslavia with Petrović, earned 2nd place, as they lost once more to the Soviet powerhouse.
