Basketball Hall of Famer Vlade Divac is recovering after a serious motorcycle accident in Montenegro on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The 57-year-old Serbian legend suffered a broken hip in the crash while riding near the scenic Adriatic coast, close to the town of Risan.
Doctors performed emergency surgery the following day to implant an artificial hip. According to hospital officials, the operation went smoothly and Divac is now in stable condition under close medical supervision.
“He is in a stable general and physical condition,” hospital spokesperson Ljubica Mitrovic shared in a statement.
A Legacy on and off the Court
Divac, a 7-foot-1 center, was one of the first European players to make a major impact in the NBA. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989, he brought flair and finesse to the game and quickly became a fan favorite—both for his on-court skills and his off-court charm.
Over a 16-year career, Divac played for the Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings. His most memorable stretch came in Sacramento, where he helped lead the Kings to playoff prominence and earned his lone All-Star selection during the 2000–01 season.
Career Highlights:
- 1,134 NBA games played
- 13,398 points, 9,326 rebounds, 3,541 assists
- First international player to log 1,000+ NBA games
- Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019
Beyond Basketball
After retiring in 2005, Divac moved into executive roles, including a five-year stint as the Sacramento Kings’ general manager. The Kings retired his No. 21 jersey in 2009. Internationally, Divac represented Yugoslavia and later Serbia, earning multiple world and European titles. He was also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010.
In recent years, Divac has stayed active in Serbian sports and public service, serving two terms as president of the Serbian Olympic Committee.
Looking Ahead
While the accident was a serious one, all signs point to a successful recovery. The hospital has asked fans and the media to respect Divac’s privacy as he heals.
Fans around the world are wishing the beloved big man a full and speedy recovery. His accident is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change—and the importance of taking safety seriously on two wheels.
