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NBA: 30 greatest international players in league history

By Daniel Lubofsky

SAN ANTONIO - MAY 09: Guard Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball past Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on May 9, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO - MAY 09: Guard Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball past Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on May 9, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Drazen Petrovic
Drazen Petrovic (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Greatest international NBA players of all time: 23. Drazen Petrovic

As the 60th overall pick in the 1986 Draft, Drazen Petrovic had little expectations for a long and prosperous career in the league. He was an accomplished player in Europe, but, having not made his NBA debut until three years later, there were definitely questions regarding his abilities that needed answers.

In a little over one season with the Portland Trail Blazers Petrovic didn’t show much with less than 10.0 points per game. For most rookies, such struggles wouldn’t be an issue. In regards to a 25-year old seasoned basketball player overseas, his inability to produce right away led to a trade to what was then the New Jersey Nets.

Most young players would be down in the dumps following being dealt so early into their NBA careers. Having seen quite a bit during his time playing basketball, Petrovic wasn’t one of them. Instead, he used a new location as a springboard for success, establishing himself as one of the best shooting guards in the game.

In two full seasons with the Nets, Drazen averaged 21.5 points per game. A deadly shooter from beyond the arc, he also converted on a scorching 44.7 percent of his shots from 3-point land. That type of efficiency may be common-place today, but back then it was a unique showing of outside marksmanship.

Having been named to the All-NBA Third Team for averaging a career-best 22.3 points per game in 1992-93, Petrovic appeared destined for stardom. Unfortunate doesn’t do what happened that summer justice. At just 28 years of age, Petrovic died in a car accident.

His No. 3 jersey was retired by New Jersey and he was eventually elected into the Hall of Fame. Petrovic was the inspiration for a number of European players that followed his path to the NBA. Had his life not been tragically cut short, there’s no telling the heights his legacy could have grown to.