Dejan BODIROGA?

[ivan_fiba]

Bodiroga was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the 1995 NBA Draft (second round, #51 overall). One year later, the Kings selected his younger countryman Peja Stojakovic. However, unlike Stojakovi?, Bodiroga declined the offer to play in the NBA, choosing instead to remain in Europe (also one of the best players not play in nba he was a unique one)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIFPRay9EZM


this is him killing Melo i think he was around 33(age)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIyWC8h56sg


only if he had played for the kings




im from pasadena,california been a kings fan since 03' still going strong this is my first post hope you guys like

 

[Aenadin]

if Dejan bodiroga played for the kings then people will not be talking how Manu Ginobili was the greatest steal of all time well be praising Geoff petrie for being a genius if his game translated to the NBA... kings would have their Franchise player in a matter of years

if the line up of the glory years of the team adding dejan becomes

Vlade
Webber
Peja
Dejan
Bibby

and dejans talents came to fruition with a back up line up of

Pollard
Funderburke
Turkoglu
Christie
Jackson

i say that team was pretty deep and assuming Bodiroga was at his prime during the 2000s...

just saying the what ifs and what not... Dejan was the best Basketball Player outside the NBA using his brains and skills.. lol that cross over on anthony made melo look like an idiot basic cross over but man that was quick i played it over and over again

 

[Dime Dropper]

That first move on Carmelo is pretty sick. Completely throws him on that one. Second move is pretty too, fakes Melo out of it again.

Looks like he was a very talented guy, pity he didn't come over. Probably would have been one of Geoffs better picks.

 

[Bricklayer]

He was an excellent player in his day. Had a killer instinct too. There is some question how the game would have translated to the NBA -- had a slow shot release, and the defense...let's just say we wouldn't have won anything with that proposed lineup with him in place of Doug. But maybe as a Toni Kukoc 6th man...it might have been enough to push us right over. Him not coming over was frustrating and frankly makes me wonder if he wasn't a little scared. Was a prince in Europe, and as such maybe a little too comfortable. Did not want to risk his legacy.

 

[Oscar]

I just think that if Bodiroga was good enough for the NBA he would have played, simple as that.

 

[SacKings7]

I just think that if Bodiroga was good enough for the NBA he would have been in the NBA, simple as that.

He was good enough for the NBA. It's not like he tried out with a team and got cut. It was his decision not to come over. I remember watching him in one of the FIBA tournaments a while back. He was the best player on Yugoslavia then, Peja and Radmanovic included

 

[CruzDude]

From what Dejan did in Europe and the awards and championships and the $2M to $4M salaries paid in Euros, I'm sure he's very happy with the way it turned out. Our GP just knew a quality player when he saw one. He would not have achieved any of that level of notoriety or fame or fortune in the NBA in the late 90's nor with the power Kings of 99-03. He did the right thing. But as a Kings fan I'm sorry he did.

 

[Sptsjunkie]

I just think that if Bodiroga was good enough for the NBA he would have played, simple as that.

Not at all. It's easy to sit here and say, everyone should want to play in the NBA, so he should have taken a rookie contract and uprooted his whole life to move to the US. He was the best player in his country, had his whole family there and was getting paid well. It's not as if he put his name in the draft, was selected and then got scared and backed out. He was draft eligible, so Petrie took a chance in the second round.

 

[piksi]

I just think that if Bodiroga was good enough for the NBA he would have played, simple as that.

think again

he did not want to warm the bench for players who aren't even close to his level. He saw what happened to Drazen i Portland and since the coach was the same he wasn't going to take a chance and sit on the bench while likes of Scoreless and TAW are starting.

 

[beb0p]

I remember that game against the USA. There's no glory in beating Melo, Kenny Thomas can crossover Melo. But there was a move he put on near the end of the game, against a better defender, that I think was even better. That must be somewhere on youtube.

 

[bozzwell]

As much as it pains me to admit it, I have this theory about Bodiroga. Reading all his interviews on the subject of NBA, he is always politically correct and wraps everything in standard athlete speak, but I get a distinct impression that it is not so much that he didn't want to come to the NBA as he didn't want to come to the Kings. When he was drafted and for few more years afterwards, Kings were still in the Dark Ages. One thing that Bodiroga consistently reveals in his interviews (and the subject of NBA almost always came up while he was still playing) is that he could not handle losing 30-40 games a year and still go about business as usual. In an interview to Serbian Ortodox Church's newpaper he even questions ethics or getting paid "millions" to lose 40 games a year. By the time Kings became respectable and later an elite team it was probably too late. His draft rights (for the most part) were useless in trades as he by then became known as someone who just won't come to NBA anyway.

He is a very unusual character for such a supreme competitor on the court. He spent his offseasons working hard on his game and checking in Serbian Orthodox Monasteries instead of jet-setting. He now has a basketball camp (that he runs himself) back in his hometown - in the boonies of eastern Hercegovina, away from the spotlight. He is very religious, but does not make big show and dance about it, you have to push google to the limit to get to the real stories. So, while winning all the time was very important to him, prestige and glamour of NBA probably did not draw him as much as they draw other European players.

One thing I am sure about him - in his peek was borderline unstoppable and there was inevitability about his pro teams winning championships with every transfer/new contract or Yugoslavian/Serbian NTs winning gold if he was with the team. The knock on him was always that he was too slow but it's deceptively slow. Like Lebron, one second he's in slo-mo the next second you're looking at his back. I am sure that he would adapt to the NBA and be very productive. He'd never accept 18pts and 5reb per game "win-or-lose I have a hot wife and millions of dollars" like Pedja did.

 

[kennadog]

Thanks for your POV, bozzwell. Let's face it, a lot of NBA players didn't want to come to Sacramento. (Thanks for wanting to come, Vlade )

Mostly I just wanted to welcome ivan_fiba to the board. I hope you'll like it around here.

 

[Gary]

I just think that if Bodiroga was good enough for the NBA he would have played, simple as that.

It's obvious you have never seen him play.... He would start for 99% of the teams in the NBA if he came over in his prime.

 

[CruzDude]

Thanks for your POV, bozzwell. Let's face it, a lot of NBA players didn't want to come to Sacramento. (Thanks wanting to come, Vlade )

Mostly I just wanted to welcome ivan_fiba to the board. I hope you'll like it around here.

That would have been the #1 reason he did not come right over. By the time the Kings became Vlade's team it was too late and his star had risen and he was much bigger in Europe than he ever would have been over here in the greedy, self-centered NBA.

And welcome ivan_fiba, don't be afraid to give us your views and opinions, they are most welcome. And don't be bothered by the idiot comments some folks on this board make. That is the other side of the freedom of speech coin we all have to live with.

 

[ParniValjak]

He was an excellent player in his day. Had a killer instinct too. There is some question how the game would have translated to the NBA -- had a slow shot release, and the defense...let's just say we wouldn't have won anything with that proposed lineup with him in place of Doug. But maybe as a Toni Kukoc 6th man...it might have been enough to push us right over. Him not coming over was frustrating and frankly makes me wonder if he wasn't a little scared. Was a prince in Europe, and as such maybe a little too comfortable. Did not want to risk his legacy.

Yeah, Bodiroga at SG in the NBA would have been a bit of a strech, especially defenisvely! And yeah he did have a pretty slow release (especially from beyond the arc) however most of his game is based around penetration and low post moves. He was a marvel and I have no doubt what so ever that he would have made a career for himself in the NBA if he wanted to. He was god in europe. Clubs would sell their sould to sign him because he is a true leader and a real winner.

He appears to be a pretty interesting character but when the game is on the line, he has balls of steal. When the result is in the balance the coach would just let Bodiroga do his thing. Everyone clear out and let him go one on one.

He was a rare talent. He looks so slow out there but he had the basketball nouse to get he job done and I can't count the number of times he took the national team, out them on his shoulders and dragged them across the line. No doubt one of the best players europe has ever produced and a certainty for a basketball hall of fame.

The supporters loved him everywhere he went. The fans always chanted how he was their god and tha famous line "sex, drugs and rock'n'roll" has become "sex, drugs and Bodiroga".

I know that one day I will be telling my kids that I got to see one of the greatest ever european basketball players display his talents numerous times. Might even dust off some of the old games and showed them what this dude was capable of in his prime.

 

[Oscar]

think again

he did not want to warm the bench for players who aren't even close to his level. He saw what happened to Drazen i Portland and since the coach was the same he wasn't going to take a chance and sit on the bench while likes of Scoreless and TAW are starting.

I don't have to "think again." How do you know what he was thinking or whether or not he would have taken a chance? I still say that if he was as good as you all seem to think, then he would have found a way into the NBA.

 

[Gary]

I don't have to "think again." How do you know what he was thinking or whether or not he would have taken a chance? I still say that if he was as good as you all seem to think, then he would have found a way into the NBA.

HE didn't want to come over.. It's not like he was "trying to find a way to get into the NBA". If he wanted into the NBA there are 30 teams right now that are willing to take him. This is him being past his prime. In his prime there could have been some gun shots from GMs trying to score on his talent. He is that good. i have been following him since the Kings drafted him always waiting and wanting for him to come to the NBA. He is THAT good..

I have a hard time believing that you actually know what you are talking about, because what you said above is pretty much the dumbest thing I have seen in quite some time. Not every basketball player NEEDS to play in the NBA. You know, there are some guys that would be GREAT in the NBA which never come over because they are bigger stars, and make more money where they are now.

 

[Peja]

First of all,someone should change the name of the topic,because his name is DEJAN...

Second,as his cousin,I'd also like to say a few words.When he was in elementary school,he started training soccer and everybody kept saying that he is gonna be good soccer player.But he started growing up more and more and his brother took him to the basketball training,here in my city - Zrenjanin,Serbia.Coach of the best team in this town told him that he is not talented,so he went to another team and his journey started from there.He used to stay 2-3 hours longer than his team mates so he can practice more with his coach.He went to Zadar,Croatia as very young player and then went to Stefanel,Italy.He was playing Italian league with 17,18 years.His first game in the national team was delayed since Serbia(then Yugoslavia) had sanctions until 1995.Ever since then he was a member of that glory national team.He went to Real Madrid when he was drafted by the Kings.After Madrid,he was playing for Panathinaikos,Barcelona and Rome.He was always saying that he will go to NBA maybe one day,but somehow,you could tell from his tone on TV that he is not going to move to USA.
In a conversation with him once,he said that he doesn't really like the concept of the NBA league,he said he likes loud cheering,tense,scheadule and everything in Europe better.He was the best european player for years,he had very good money,girl,parents,familly here,so there was practically no reason for him to leave all that.On the other hand,Peja and Webber were playing on his positions,because I am sure he wouldn't be able to play pg or sg in NBA like he could in Europe.
As for the question if he could or couldn't play in NBA?Well he was the leader of Serbian team that won European championship 2001 without defeat(playing against Nowitzki,Gasol,Hedo...) and certanly leader of the team that won against Miller,Ben Wallace,Pierce,Baron Davis,Jermaine O'Neal... in Indianapolis 2002 and against Manu,Scola,Oberto,Nocioni.. in the finals.I don't think anyone serious could say that Bodiroga didn't have NBA quality.He didn't have NBA style of the game,but quality - no doubt.

As for him personal,he is very simple guy,who likes to come to his parents house in one small village near Zrenjanin and he also has international basketball camp in Trebinje,Bosnia.

K,that would be more than enough and for those who forgot,here you go - video of that final game in Indianapolis where Bodiroga destroyed Argentina
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=03Kkyzz4LBA&feature=related

 

[Oscar]

I have a hard time believing that you actually know what you are talking about, because what you said above is pretty much the dumbest thing I have seen in quite some time. Not every basketball player NEEDS to play in the NBA. You know, there are some guys that would be GREAT in the NBA which never come over because they are bigger stars, and make more money where they are now.

I love the way the so-called "elites" of this board are allowed to attack others on this board for voicing an opinion. If it was the other way around - if I had singled out someone specifically - then my post would have been taken off the board. I made a point, took devil's advocate, and get jumped on because of it. How about responding the way most posters do on this board - point out with evidence and information that supports their take without the personal jab. It's not that I can't take it - if this is the type of board that you want, bring it on.

 

[bajaden]

I love the way the so-called "elites" of this board are allowed to attack others on this board for voicing an opinion. If it was the other way around - if I had singled out someone specifically - then my post would have been taken off the board. I made a point, took devil's advocate, and get jumped on because of it. How about responding the way most posters do on this board - point out with evidence and information that supports their take without the personal jab. It's not that I can't take it - if this is the type of board that you want, bring it on.

I think that when anyone has an opinion that is hypothetical, and posts it as fact, that person is probably going to find and argument or two. There's a fine line between the two and a lot of people in they're passion forget which side of the line they're on. Its always better to state something as your opinion and give reasons why.

What always amazes me is how some people, when presented with good reasons to the contrary, will morf into they're version of a pit bull and go into a death fight. In the words of that great hero from the movie "The Great Race". "Sometimes its best to run away, and live to fight another day". Would have been good advice for George Armstrong Custer.

 

[Oscar]

I think that when anyone has an opinion that is hypothetical, and posts it as fact, that person is probably going to find and argument or two. There's a fine line between the two and a lot of people in they're passion forget which side of the line they're on. Its always better to state something as your opinion and give reasons why.

What always amazes me is how some people, when presented with good reasons to the contrary, will morf into they're version of a pit bull and go into a death fight. In the words of that great hero from the movie "The Great Race". "Sometimes its best to run away, and live to fight another day". Would have been good advice for George Armstrong Custer.

The Great Race - I love that movie! "Up and attem! Up and attem!"

 

[6th]

First of all,someone should change the name of the topic,because his name is DEJAN...

Second,as his cousin,I'd also like to say a few words.When he was in elementary school,he started training soccer and everybody kept saying that he is gonna be good soccer player.But he started growing up more and more and his brother took him to the basketball training,here in my city - Zrenjanin,Serbia.Coach of the best team in this town told him that he is not talented,so he went to another team and his journey started from there.He used to stay 2-3 hours longer than his team mates so he can practice more with his coach.He went to Zadar,Croatia as very young player and then went to Stefanel,Italy.He was playing Italian league with 17,18 years.His first game in the national team was delayed since Serbia(then Yugoslavia) had sanctions until 1995.Ever since then he was a member of that glory national team.He went to Real Madrid when he was drafted by the Kings.After Madrid,he was playing for Panathinaikos,Barcelona and Rome.He was always saying that he will go to NBA maybe one day,but somehow,you could tell from his tone on TV that he is not going to move to USA.
In a conversation with him once,he said that he doesn't really like the concept of the NBA league,he said he likes loud cheering,tense,scheadule and everything in Europe better.He was the best european player for years,he had very good money,girl,parents,familly here,so there was practically no reason for him to leave all that.On the other hand,Peja and Webber were playing on his positions,because I am sure he wouldn't be able to play pg or sg in NBA like he could in Europe.
As for the question if he could or couldn't play in NBA?Well he was the leader of Serbian team that won European championship 2001 without defeat(playing against Nowitzki,Gasol,Hedo...) and certanly leader of the team that won against Miller,Ben Wallace,Pierce,Baron Davis,Jermaine O'Neal... in Indianapolis 2002 and against Manu,Scola,Oberto,Nocioni.. in the finals.I don't think anyone serious could say that Bodiroga didn't have NBA quality.He didn't have NBA style of the game,but quality - no doubt.

As for him personal,he is very simple guy,who likes to come to his parents house in one small village near Zrenjanin and he also has international basketball camp in Trebinje,Bosnia.

K,that would be more than enough and for those who forgot,here you go - video of that final game in Indianapolis where Bodiroga destroyed Argentina
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=03Kkyzz4LBA&feature=related

My young friend, Peja, so happy for this more complete look at Dejan. Since I already knew you and Dejan are cousins, I figured it would be a matter of time before you popped in here. I appreciate your sharing your personal knowledge and insight.

 

[Gary]

I love the way the so-called "elites" of this board are allowed to attack others on this board for voicing an opinion. If it was the other way around - if I had singled out someone specifically - then my post would have been taken off the board. I made a point, took devil's advocate, and get jumped on because of it. How about responding the way most posters do on this board - point out with evidence and information that supports their take without the personal jab. It's not that I can't take it - if this is the type of board that you want, bring it on.

Dude.. It's like me saying Chris Paul sucks or something.. Do you think if I came out and said that then people would say i had no clue? Of course they would because Chris Paul doesn't suck.. You said that Dejan would find a way into the NBA if he was good enough... He didn't want to come to the NBA... It's not like he tried or anything. He chose not to. It's not because he wasn't good enough because I know for 100% fact that EVERY team in the NBA would jump on signing him if he chose to, so what you said was an absolute uneducated opinion. Basically like me saying Chris Paul sucks and not saying why... If CP3 was your fav player and I came around and said he sucked I am sure you would want some reasoning behind it right? Dejan is not my fav player, but he's my fav euro player.

I just find it hard to believe that you have ever seen him play or know much about the guy if you are making that kind of assumption whether it's an opinion or not. You are definitely entitled to it, but to say what you said without any reason why you think that of course people who have watched him for 10+ years are going to call you out on it because Dejan is a beast, and in his prime would start for every NBA team. IMO he is in the top 5 best players ever not from the USA (including players like Dirk/Peja/Vlade/Nash/anyone), and it's a fact that he's the best ever not from the USA that never came to the NBA.

 

[Bricklayer]

This goes both ways -- Dejan dodged the NBA for whatever reason, and so in the end proved nothing at an NBA level. Its all speculation. The confidence in Dejan's divinity is a matter of faith too. Now to suggest he could not make it in the NBA at all...doubtful. Too good and too dominant in his comfort zone for that to be likely. But to compare him to CP3? He forfeited that comparison when he chose not to compete against the best and show what he could do. We know he was good. We will never really know exactly how good. We only got to see him play the best for a few games here and a few games there, and then in awkward single game settings against makeshift squads. Most of the time he was dominating lesser players who Josh Childress will be dominating here in a few months. Even seeing an old Bodiroga come on over for a couple of his declining years would have given us something in the same way you could regress old Sabas back to his prime and know he would have been a stud. But we didn't even get that.

 

[gvucko]

This goes both ways -- Dejan dodged the NBA for whatever reason, and so in the end proved nothing at an NBA level. Its all speculation. The confidence in Dejan's divinity is a matter of faith too. Now to suggest he could not make it in the NBA at all...doubtful. Too good and too dominant in his comfort zone for that to be likely. But to compare him to CP3? He forfeited that comparison when he chose not to compete against the best and show what he could do. We know he was good. We will never really know exactly how good. We only got to see him play the best for a few games here and a few games there, and then in awkward single game settings against makeshift squads. Most of the time he was dominating lesser players who Josh Childress will be dominating here in a few months. Even seeing an old Bodiroga come on over for a couple of his declining years would have given us something in the same way you could regress old Sabas back to his prime and know he would have been a stud. But we didn't even get that.

Interesting argument there. You stated that nobody can predict Dejan's NBA career as he never played here. Yet in the same paragraph you assume that Josh will be dominant in Europe. Come on there! With all respect to the joung Josh, he is not Kobe, Vince or Iverson so european TEAM defense could not lock him (Josh) down. Don't get me wrong, he may as well post 15-20 ppg (as he would in NBA given a chance) but doubtfully will he be given the ball in the last seconds almost knowing that he will produce (as Dejan did). And that is dominating (or post 40 ppg as Drazen did).

BTW: greetings from Slovenia

 

[6th]

Interesting argument there. You stated that nobody can predict Dejan's NBA career as he never played here. Yet in the same paragraph you assume that Josh will be dominant in Europe. Come on there! With all respect to the joung Josh, he is not Kobe, Vince or Iverson so european TEAM defense could not lock him (Josh) down. Don't get me wrong, he may as well post 15-20 ppg (as he would in NBA given a chance) but doubtfully will he be given the ball in the last seconds almost knowing that he will produce (as Dejan did). And that is dominating (or post 40 ppg as Drazen did).

BTW: greetings from Slovenia

Greetings, gvucko, and welcome to KF.com

 

[ivan_fiba]

i was just trying to post a highlight video not trying to create a debate

 

[kyo2002]

Welcome to the forum. People like to argue especially on sites like these. And anyone can cross Carmelo. His foot speed is horrible. He only uses his great explosiveness on offense. Good video.

 

[CruzDude]

I really don't think Dejan "dodged the NBA for some reason" rather he elected to stay we he was and became for a long time, the big fish in a small pond. In the NBA in the late 1990's he would be a small fish in a very, very big pond and for a team prior to 1998 that wasn't very good.

He was making more money, winning championships, MVP's, and enjoying his stature in Europe 100%. I agree with his reasons to stay over there. He fulfilled his goals and won multiple championships and made a lot of money. Is there something I'm missing? Or are there some of you who believe that if you don't ultimately play in the NBA you are no good or don't achieve goals? If the Kings of 1997 and earlier had your rights why would you want to leave what he was achieving in Europe and come into, at the time, the hell hole of the NBA?

Jason Thompson shares one main sentiment with Dejan: he too wanted to be a big fish in a small pond (Rider University) and it worked well for him.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

He was making more money, winning championships, MVP's, and enjoying his stature in Europe 100%. I agree with his reasons to stay over there. He fulfilled his goals and won multiple championships and made a lot of money. Is there something I'm missing? Or are there some of you who believe that if you don't ultimately play in the NBA you are no good or don't achieve goals?

Well, I would have liked to see whether he could have helped the Kings win a championship, but other than that, no, not especially. He certainly would have fit into the system here.

I do, however, subscribe to the opinion that the goal should be to achieve the top prize/achievement in your profession (unless, of course, you're in the military; nobody should join the service with the goal of trying to "win" the Medal of Honor)... And I also subscribe to the opinion that the NBA Championship is the most prestigious and (in my opinion) important championship in all of basketball. So I suppose I'm saying that, while I don't think he's "no good," I am inclined to feel as though he could have erased all speculation by playing in the NBA, but that since he didn't play against the best in the world at any kind of consistent basis, the question will forever remain unanswered.