ReinadelosReys
Starter
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/11792599p-12677290c.html
Fans welcome Divac 'home'
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, December 17, 2004
In the back tunnel of Arco Arena, there's a life-sized cutout of Vlade Divac, tucked away only for the rats and spiders to see.All alone propped up against a wall, seemingly waiting for entry to a recycling bin large enough to hold him - or a Divac museum if there are any takers - it's a forgotten image of a player who will not soon be forgotten elsewhere in the building.
Namely, in the stands.
Divac's Arco return Thursday was triumphant in every facet. Well before the Lakers walloped the Kings 115-99, Divac was hugging and hamming it up with old friends and co-workers, waving to fans who held signs in his honor to recognize the one man in purple and gold who wasn't viewed as the enemy.
He vowed not to tear up, but Divac knew his emotional buttons were haywire because this was no ordinary homecoming. For six seasons, Divac was the Kings. The first "name" free agent who decided Sacramento was worth the risk, he became the Kings focal point, their leader and voice.
He embraced a city that embraced him.
The end came in July, when he signed with the Lakers, his initial employer, as a free agent. He left in part because the Lakers offered twice as much money as the Kings, though he said Arco will "always be home to me."
Divac's ex-teammates kidded before the tip that, of course, Divac was hurt during a voluntary workout before the season, yanking his back on a spin move to the point he hasn't been a factor this season. They warned that they would be on the lookout for his flops, his moving screens, his trickery that was encouraged when they were all on the same side. And Kings players cracked that Divac is looking very L.A.-like with the tan and all.
Divac received a rousing ovation before the tip when the overhead screen showed highlights, the bearded fellow with the passes and enthusiasm and cranium hugs.
Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich might not have played Divac if not for the setting. Divac hadn't played a minute in the previous two games. But Tomjanovich said it was absolutely the right thing to do. Divac played three minutes and collected two rebounds and Kings fans had their chance to salute him.
"It was great to be back," Divac said. "Very emotional. The fans here are great, the best. They appreciated me and I appreciate them."
After the game, Chris Webber worked his way around the Arco tunnel to track down Divac. The men hugged and walked away together, putting to bed for good any perceived bad will between them late last season.
If Divac doesn't retire because of his ailing back - or if the Lakers don't buy him out over the summer - an Arco visit next season would likely include a retired jersey ceremony, maybe even the old cutout image for kicks.
"It's hard not thinking of Vlade as a King," Kings director of player personnel Jerry Reynolds said. "To me, Vlade is the greatest teammate I've seen in my 40 years in basketball."
Divac said he can help the Lakers, as a passer and leader, with those traits long his trademark. And if this is indeed his last season, he has few complaints.
"I'm happy with my career," he said. "I'm a happy man."
Fans welcome Divac 'home'
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, December 17, 2004
In the back tunnel of Arco Arena, there's a life-sized cutout of Vlade Divac, tucked away only for the rats and spiders to see.All alone propped up against a wall, seemingly waiting for entry to a recycling bin large enough to hold him - or a Divac museum if there are any takers - it's a forgotten image of a player who will not soon be forgotten elsewhere in the building.
Namely, in the stands.
Divac's Arco return Thursday was triumphant in every facet. Well before the Lakers walloped the Kings 115-99, Divac was hugging and hamming it up with old friends and co-workers, waving to fans who held signs in his honor to recognize the one man in purple and gold who wasn't viewed as the enemy.
He vowed not to tear up, but Divac knew his emotional buttons were haywire because this was no ordinary homecoming. For six seasons, Divac was the Kings. The first "name" free agent who decided Sacramento was worth the risk, he became the Kings focal point, their leader and voice.
He embraced a city that embraced him.
The end came in July, when he signed with the Lakers, his initial employer, as a free agent. He left in part because the Lakers offered twice as much money as the Kings, though he said Arco will "always be home to me."
Divac's ex-teammates kidded before the tip that, of course, Divac was hurt during a voluntary workout before the season, yanking his back on a spin move to the point he hasn't been a factor this season. They warned that they would be on the lookout for his flops, his moving screens, his trickery that was encouraged when they were all on the same side. And Kings players cracked that Divac is looking very L.A.-like with the tan and all.
Divac received a rousing ovation before the tip when the overhead screen showed highlights, the bearded fellow with the passes and enthusiasm and cranium hugs.
Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich might not have played Divac if not for the setting. Divac hadn't played a minute in the previous two games. But Tomjanovich said it was absolutely the right thing to do. Divac played three minutes and collected two rebounds and Kings fans had their chance to salute him.
"It was great to be back," Divac said. "Very emotional. The fans here are great, the best. They appreciated me and I appreciate them."
After the game, Chris Webber worked his way around the Arco tunnel to track down Divac. The men hugged and walked away together, putting to bed for good any perceived bad will between them late last season.
If Divac doesn't retire because of his ailing back - or if the Lakers don't buy him out over the summer - an Arco visit next season would likely include a retired jersey ceremony, maybe even the old cutout image for kicks.
"It's hard not thinking of Vlade as a King," Kings director of player personnel Jerry Reynolds said. "To me, Vlade is the greatest teammate I've seen in my 40 years in basketball."
Divac said he can help the Lakers, as a passer and leader, with those traits long his trademark. And if this is indeed his last season, he has few complaints.
"I'm happy with my career," he said. "I'm a happy man."
