He Was WARNED Not to Talk Trash...But Didn't Listen! 

I have a personal story to share with Drazen. I was a young prospect back then, played in junior team of Cibona, Croatian champion, where Drazen used to play. After a summer practice, our coach says: ok guys, you're shooting 3s and the one who wins, stays at an additional practise. We were like, wtf? But I won anyway, I was really good back then. Next thing I know, Drazen walks onto the court, introduces himself and we spent 2 hours in practice. Everything he did, I had to do to. 25 free throws Drazen, 25 free throws me, with Drazen passing me the ball. It was unreal. Oh, and did I mention this was when he was already a huge Nets star and he was in Zagreb on "vacation". Every day he spent in practise. That's how motivated he was. Thanks for this video @Cosgrove, made me cry. Edit: wow guys, I did not expect this... I'm really glad you liked the story . Thanks for all the love

When Reggie Miller says you're the best shooter he's ever played against you know this guy is no joke

He had an apartment in Hackensack, NJ, during the season and I often had breakfast with him at a local diner. He would always sit at a table away from any TV set because there was a terrible war going on in his Country and he couldn't bear to watch. He was a wonderful man, soft spoken and respectful. After the tragedy in Germany all basketball fans and in particular NJ Nets fans were in shock and, to this day, I still think of him once in a while. He was a great, great player. There was a day when a mass was held in NYC at the Croatian Catholic Church so that fans, fellow teammates and NBA dignitaries could pay their respects. I was fortunate to be at the mass and it was a very stirring moment. Drazen's mother said his favorite piece of music was 'Ave Maria' and a woman sang it beautifully at the mass and believe me when I tell you, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. For the rest of my life whenever I hear that beautiful song I will always think of that woman singing it at the mass in his honor.

As a native Portlander, I am ashamed at how poorly we treated Drazen. May God forgive us!

Died young, but still managed to immortalize himself into the basketball history. That deserves respect.

He played basketball for the thrill of the game and to face strong people. Nothing but respect for this man

I remember Petrovic clearly. I was 17 when he passed away. Living in NJ and going to Nets games Drazen was 1 of the only stars on the team. He gave real hope to us winning. He was an actual Star and he shined blindingly bright if only for a short time. Cant forget a guy like that. RIP Drazen.

Having watched all his career and having been on his funeral, I can only thank you for this video and a great memory of one-of-a-kind human being.

Drazen was a beast! Imagine the mental toughness you needed to have to go tit for tat with MJ and not break. Now, imagine facing MJ with the Dream Team and still thinking "we have a chance, boys!" and he played like it. Guy was fearless AF!

I was a 21 year old Nets fan in 93 when my best friend called to tell me that Drazen had died in that car crash in Germany ..I cried like a little kid, like all Nets fans, I was devastated..Went to his Jersey's retirement game against the Pacers at the start of the season with a girl I had just started dating and I cried through the entireme ceremony. My favorite Net ever...rest in peace Drazen.. Pucaj Tricu!

Drazen! ...I hated him for what he did to Italian teams he played against, but, when he died I cried like I had lost one of my family. We miss you!

Growing up in NJ and going to Nets games, I quickly became a Drazen fan. I remember this 1 game he scored every OT point in a Nets win and on the way out I purchased his jersey...the 1st one I ever owned. I'll never forget listening to the radio while laying in bed and hearing the news of his death when I was 15. Never thought you could be emotionally connected to someone you've never met, but I cried my eyes out that day. You were one of the best basketball players I've ever seen Drazen and I love you for playing hard and never taking it for granted. Thanks for the memories 😢 ❤️

Rest in peace he was truly a legend. Respect from Serbia.

I was a 15-years-old growing up in a Chicago suburb when Petro died. I'll never forget the immense sadness that I felt. Petro was fearless and obliterated the myth that Euro players were soft and couldn't play in the NBA. He will always be a legend!

Much respect for Drazen and his ability to not back down and to play the game he loved. His energy, confidence, mindset, and work ethic is something we all can appreciate. Definitely another great talent gone to soon!

Dude was a Savant, WELL AND TRUELY ahead of his time, We see what guards were doing in 2018-2019, splitting doubles, running around screens to get open threes, being one of the toughest to guard at the rim, and applied it in an era known as the Big Man era. You can’t take anything away from him.

He was ahead of his time...desperate to get out of Portland.

I'm from his home town of Šibenik, Croatia. And i remember him very well. He was 3 years older than me. And was a national hero already with 18 years. He was a magnet for people,and for girls. He had a beautiful contagious smile, and wonderful curly hair...But he never spent the nights with the girls outside, never drink or whatever young people of his age doing...All he was interested about was basketball. He used to come at 6 in the morning, every morning, before school, put the chairs all over the floor and dribble through them for 2 hours....And shooting from all directions practicing fast release. Then the cleaners would come and at the 8 he would be in his clasroom. And afternoon he would come again and stay on th floor untill midnight. He was just MAD basketball addict. Very polite nice and humble guy outside, but cold stone killer on the floor. Drazen outside, and in the floor, was two completly different persons. He didn't respect even his own brother. Once he had a free throws against his brother team Cibona, in the game that means NOTHING to Dražen, but means EVERYTHING to his brother team. I don't remember what the game was for, but it was important European championship play off game. He was a player of Real Madrid then. It was few last seconds of the game. And Dražen on the free throw line.He was begging Dražen to miss the throws, saying, please, let us pass this, this game means nothing to you. You are already a champions...but we desperately need this game.He was mentioning some big money award too, if they win the game.Dražen was just look at him, gave him one ironic smile and cold as a stone put both throws inside. He just couldn't imagine to loose the game. His brother didn't wanna speak to him for months after that game.

I was a teenager when he was an actual demon playing for Cibona. When he arrived at Real Madrid before his NBA career, he was virtually unstoppable. He had not only a lethal fast 3 points shoot but also was super-skilled dribbling and a gifted passer. His offensive awareness and aggression were well above his physical abilities. Sure, he was not the NBA athleticism stereotype but damn, he did not need to be athletic to dominate the game! Like other IQ basketball freaks like Stockton, he could push his game further than you could expect. Let's put it simply: he was a European version of Steph Curry. Nothin lesser.

Damn Drazen, you went at the GOAT like you belonged on his level and you held your own every time. RIP

The fact that he talked trash to jordan and back it up gives my respect to him. RIP The Fallen Angel.

When you play with heart...you become timeless.

Young kids, you dont know how good Drazen was, of you did you would not ever say the words "best shooter ever" on anybody else without thinking. A pleasure to watch him play, true great

May Drazen Petrovic never be forgotten. What a legend he was. Another one taken too soon.

When John Stockton, Lebron, MJ, Jason Kidd, and Reggie Miller all say you're good, you must be pretty good.

If Reggie Miller who was one of the best shooters in NBA history has Drazen's name come out of his mouth first, that speaks volumes!

Much respect to Drazen : He was a true legend who should be credited more for his basketball gifts..

It's a shame I didn't know about Drazen Petrovic until he died. Thanks for this video laying out this historical tribute to his talent, his fighting spirit, and the Euro legacy he brought to the NBA.

My heart sank when I saw the car crash. I didnt even know about this. Wow what a talent and fearless attitude to go like that at Jordan, esp coming from another country. Mad, maaaaad respect.

I'm Croatian and I remember the day we first heard the news on the radio he died. I was hanging out with friends after school at that moment (high school). I couldn't believe my ears. I was waiting for someone to say I got it wrong somehow. But no matter how long I waited, no one ever did. It was final. And I couldn't accept it. Something broke inside - and I don't think just inside me. I believe something broke inside our whole country in regards to basketball. We've never reached those heights again (like Barcelona 92). Yeah, Kukoč was great and amazing talent - but Dražen's energy, his relentless drive and unlimited faith in winning against anyone, anytime, anywhere was something that pulled the generations of basketball players forward, not just the audience. He brought us so much joy. Never after him has basketball inspired us the same way again. Something was efficiently broken that day for Croatian basketball and it hasn't recovered yet. I believe that one took the Universe by surprise as well, he wasn't supposed to die then and there. There was no replacement. Thank you very much for this video. I've never seen any other video about his time in NBA giving him as fair amount of recognition as you have. If you only remembered to point out his highest points he scored in a game in NBA - just to put things into perspective - then it would be perfect. Thanks again. 🙌

A completely wonderful player, incredible shooter. He played in Spain, Real Madrid team. Same as Fernando Martin, they both died in car accidents and we were very sad for it. Petrovic was practically unstoppable in the basketball court.

That was a well spent 10 minutes of my life

Fun Fact: Drazen Petrovićs’ mother babysat Stephen Curry when he was a kid. Also when Stephen Curry won 2015 Championship he gave his game winning Jersey to Drazens Mother to put in Drazens Museum.

When he died it was a gut punch to the league. A lot of players, and coaches like Chuck Daly, really liked and respected this guy.

Never heard of this guy, but goodness what a beast from what I see in this clip. Cut short so young and suddenly. Much respect to him! 🏀

One of the most underrated players in NBA history. RIP D. Petrovic, NBA really misses players like you

Imagine if Drazen would have been on a team like the Celtics or Bulls in that era. Loved that he wasn't cocky but was just confident enough to have zero fear.

I'm not even a basketball fan and I enjoyed this video immensely. It's fascinating to see 2 people so skilled and so competitive to one another that it left us all spellbound. Rest in peace Drazen.

Wow! Thank you for sharing this. RIP to a real special guy. I can't believe he passed. That is really devastating. His memory lives on and the Anniversary of his remembrance will be coming up soon. 🙏🏾💐❤

The ending was shocking for me, someone who didn't know about him.

I had the privilege of being old enough to have watched him. It was so sad when he passed. I'm glad people remember.

Loved Drazen's game. He was a part of what got me seriously playing hard even when the odds where against our team

And as it turned out...he was all that, and much more! Dude played up in the lights! A true highflyer!

Petro was unreal....I consider myself lucky to have seen so many of his games while he was on the Nets. Just a special player.

27 years ago on this day...Rest in peace Petro.

I enjoyed that. Thank you for compiling this!

At least he did what he loved,was well respected by idols not just fans/family & he was really good at something most people dream about! Nothing but love RIP

I'm from the balkans (Slovenia), my dad wept when he died. He's pretty widely received as a GOAT among older people here.

As a Croatian myself I can say that back when he was a kid he didn’t have the conditions to play bc the country was poor and after his basketball training he would break into the gym and train ALONE for 4 hours every day. This man loved basketball soo much and since he died no one in Croatia, imo, even in Europe was born ,to this day,with such love and will for basketball. Rest in peace legend❤️🏀🇭🇷

Excellent video. I’m 43 and was a freshman high school basketball player in 1993. I was a huge fan and he was a special guy. Thanks for making this. 🙏

I had the honor of knowing him personally as a kid, he was our hero. And really great and simple guy. You are truly missed Dražen.

Rip drazen petrovic

I remember getting a Petrovic 1992-1993 Topps Gold Card when I was 12 and was super excited about it haha. Seems like 50 lifetimes ago. But he was an absolute sniper with the basketball. Dude could put your lights out all day with long / short-range jumpers.

One of my favorite all time players of all time I would watch the nets just to see him shoot pure magic .the will he had to win was impeccable. So sad he tragically died on June 7 1993 he was one of the best and would have been even better .you are still missed draz.but never forgotten can't believe it's almost 30 years you left us R I P brother I hope to meet you on the other side

I was living in New York when Petrovic was balling. He was no joke and did a lot for New York basketball. It was a real shocker when he died. He definitely represented European basketball and got it noticed. Rest in Peace Drazen.

man i was so hyped learning about him. sucks so bad he died rip legend

Great video, Petrovic was a true legend and repped hard for European players until the end, rest in power to that brother!

Man this video dang near me got me in tears. Dont ever let anyone convince you cant do something no matter how impossible the goal is.

Wow, can’t believe I didn’t know who he was. I’m honestly embarrassed I didn’t. This was easily 10 of the best minutes I’ve ever spent on RU-vid.

I had the honor of meeting him at basketball camp when I was young and you could just see that he had the Charisma and the talent and the heart for being a great basketball player and it was it was a tragic of losing him at such a young age and there won't be anybody like him again you know but he sure to give Michael a good tough battle

I love that underdog mentality! Very inspiring 💪🏾

I had to hold my tears in at the end of the video. Never heard of him but respect him so much now after seeing this. RIP, brata...

Any player who get make Michael Jordan angry with his play, is a great player in their own right.

Loved his determination. Didn't back down to anybody.

Thank you very much for this. He was a LEGEND 🔥

Dude had so much to give, dude was fearless, r.i.p. Petrovic

One of the most underrated players of all time RIP Drazen Petrovic

I do not watch NBA basketball anymore. But back then with players like these, you couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the talent.

Fantastic presentation. Thank you for this.

I'll never forget hearing about how Michael Jordan reacted to hearing of his death. It was just before the start of the 1993 NBA Finals when Drazen died in that car crash, and when the news reached Michael Jordan, his reaction was "no way that Dragon is dead, you mean Dragon is dead, I don't believe it." Michael Jordan had given Drazen Petrovic the nickname of "Dragon", and it showed how much respect he had gained for him as an NBA player, may his soul eternally rest in peace...

That was a soul-crushing ending to that story. I'm so sad now. Thank you for telling this part of his story

What an awesome relationship they had. Sometimes a bond is built between two great rivals.

I remember watching this guy play in the NBA back then and remember saying to myself... This guy is fearless 🔥🔥🔥

Watching anybody fearlessly put it right in Jordan's face is AWESOME.

He is the definition of a guy you hate to play against but loved to have on your team.

Плакао сам кад је погинуо, био сам тинејџер тада, плачем и сад кад гледам овај видео. Туга како је млад отишао. Увек сам доживљавао Дражена као југословена и земљака и као свог. Оно што је он показивао на терену је нешто што треба следити и што следе многи наши тамо. Не бојимо се никога 💪💪💪

I remember him. He was a little pest. Very underrated ballplayer. He was a pioneer to the European basketball community.

Jordan won his first ring at the age of 28, Drazen died at age 28. You will always be in our memories. Rest in peace Draz

Great share featuring a great talent. I'm a Cavs fan and remember Drazen frustrating me. Tough defense. Top-shelf offense. Fast as hell with a quick trigger, I saw him play live and was like, "Holy smokes." The Nets beat us that night, and I spent hours during and after the game cussing him out. But it was a love/hate fan thing. You know. And yet, I'd forgotten about him unit this vid.

I was amazed great player but I was not expecting the end. Much respect you will not be forgotten.

You know someone’s basketball talent is on a different level when that someone is able to frustrate the GOAT.

The most underrated player of all time.

Great vid! RIP Drazen, always enjoyed watching you play🍻

Im in tears thanks for this i really didnt k ow about him now i do and he was truly amazing r.i.p "Drazen" :(

Respect 🔥 The fact that Petrovic came up against Jordan with all he’s got just shows how confident and capable he was and how much he loved the game. Challenging the GOAT and not backing down warrior style, always giving the game his best, pioneering European basketball, mad respect right there. R.I.P. legend 🙏🏻

You'll always be in our hearts! Greetings from Serbia.

Much much love and respect to this beast

I am Croat, and its still hard to deal with the fact that he is dead. Such a tragedy. He was not only our best basketball player, he was the best presenter of our County back then, bigger than Šuker or Modrić later. Nice guy, nice person, it a wound that still hearts all of us who loved him.

Rest on, Drazen. Appreciate what he contributed to the sport and to people who face challenges in any way❤️💯🙏🏾

Trailblazer fan here. I was lucky enough to watch Drazen play live. I remember the night he was traded. We used to go where the Blazers parked and get autographs from them as they left. Some nights they would not sign anything for us. The night Drazen was traded he stood there and signed for every person who asked him. It was great to watch. It wasn't until the next morning we learned he was traded. He really was a wonderful person.

Respect. Thank you

Thank you for this video, bro.

Wow, Drazen was a fearless badass! I just checked his field goal shooting percentage and it was 51.8% in his best season (also the last one) with a 50.6% for career average!!! For a shooting guard doing his pull-ups and 3pt shots this is fucking insane. For comparison, Michael Jordan's best season field goal percentage was 53.9%, whilst career average was 49.7%. Kobe Bryant's best season had 46.9%, whilst career average was 44.7%. Steph Curry's best season had 50.4%, whilst career average is 47.6%. Wow, Drazen was a supreme shooter!

R.I.P Drazen Petrovich, God bless his family and friends 🙏🏾

A real gem of a video. I never knew how good he was. Until now, he had no fear.

Respect Drazen!!! One of the best!

Basketball in Croatia died with him on that day and still haven't recovered.

Damn, I hadn’t heard of him and am not much of a basketball enthusiast but this was an exciting reel! Then it hit me like a ton of bricks when it was revealed that his life was cut short in an accident. Totally knocked the wind out of my sails. RIP Drazen.

Dražen Petrovič was probably the best European Basketball player of all time. I can not stress enough how good this guy was. He was a basketball giant! So sad he passed so soon. What a legend! I'm from Slovenia and we have Luka Dončič now who's walking in his steps but when Dražen was playing with Cibona [his team from Croatia] in the 80s, I watched all their games in the Euro League. They had great duels and legendary finals against Žalgiris and their Sabonis from Lithuania. Sabonis also went to NBA. That was some peak Euro basket at that time. I think at that time Euro basket differed in style more from the U.S. than it does today in a sense that it was harder for Euro players to adapt, but Dražen was all about taking challenges. He was so good! Btw - Croatia in 1992 also had Kukoc and Radja. I think Radja also played in the NBA. Their team back then was certainly #2 in the World at that time. It was no coincidence they ended up in the final, but the dream Team back then was on another level - they should've just went play some intergalactic matches against some Alien basketball team because they were just too strong for anyone here at that time :D :D

Wow!! I will forever remember this guy!! What a legend !!