Serbian Legend Divac: Sabonis Would Be Alongside Jordan If Not for Injuries

Serbian basketball legend Vlade Divac has lauded Lithuanian icon Arvydas Sabonis, suggesting that the former NBA center would be spoken of in the same breath as legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird had he entered the league earlier and remained healthy. Speaking on former NBA coach Byron Scott's podcast, Divac, who played 16 seasons in the NBA, reflected on Sabonis's impact. "He could do everything. He was a better version of me, I can say that with confidence," Divac stated, emphasizing Sabonis's immense talent. Sabonis arrived in the NBA at the age of 30 and played for only seven seasons, a career significantly shortened by injuries. Divac highlighted that if Sabonis had entered the league at 21, his legacy would be unparalleled. The conversation also touched upon Sabonis's unique habit of smoking before and after NBA games, a detail that Divac humorously related to his own experiences. This perspective from a contemporary and peer underscores the 'what if' narrative surrounding Sabonis's NBA career, a topic of great interest in Lithuania and among basketball enthusiasts worldwide who recognize his extraordinary skill.

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Jis buvo geresnė mano versija, tą galiu pasakyti drąsiai. Nesupraskite manęs neteisingai – aš turėjau progą žaisti prieš jauną Sabonį, kai jis buvo sveikas. Jis buvo nuostabus. Jeigu jis būtų atvykęs jaunas, be traumų ir čia būtų tapęs NBA žaidėju – mes apie jį kalbėtume taip pat, kaip apie Michaelą Jordaną, Magicą Jonhsoną, Larry Birdą. Jis būtų toje pačioje kategorijoje