Vlade not done yet

[Cwebbmvp]

http://www.insidehoops.com/daily.shtml


Friday evening update: Vlade Divac says that a report on his retirement is inaccurate. See the InsideHoops.com NBA rumors page for more on that.

Ticker reports: One of the most versatile centers in the NBA, Vlade Divac announced his retirement Thursday. Divac, who averaged 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists during an NBA career that spanned 16 years, had been expected to delay his decision until September 30 but hasn't been able to shake a back injury. One of most popular Serbo-Montenegro basketball players of all time, the 7-footer planned to finish his career back in his homeland with Partizan Belgrade, the club he left to join the Lakers in 1989. But any hopes of an emotional return now appear to be dashed.

 

[captain bill]

"Lakers center Vlade Divac said late Thursday night that an Internet report about his imminent retirement was inaccurate. Divac, speaking by phone, said he will wait to hear from Lakers management about what the team plans to do with him for next season before he makes a decision to return for a 17th season. He said his health would also play a role in his decision." Press-Enterprise

"First, I have to wait to see if the Lakers want me," Divac said. "If they don't want me back, then I have to think about my future, about retiring. But I make no decision right now. I have been working out and my back is OK sometimes. My back has to be healthy. There is no rush. We'll see. But I would love to play again and play for (Lakers coach) Phil Jackson if all things can be worked out."

I doubt, even if he returns, that he'll see any significant playing time next year. More likely, IMO, he gets released by the Lakers and plays a year in Serbia before retiring.

 

[Bricklayer]

If that's true that's a pretty damn significant internet rumor -- made it all the way to nba.com!

 

[SlimKid15]

Yeah I know. It seemed like everywhere i went had something about it written.