Former NBA star Vlade Divac has emergency surgery

April 14, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings logo on a wall during a game against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Kings 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
April 14, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings logo on a wall during a game against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Kings 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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No, looking at the box score, Vlade Divac won’t ever match up to big men like Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson or Bill Russell. But the 16-year-veteran proved himself to be one of the better all-around centers in the league during his time in the NBA.

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More importantly that though though was Vlade Divac’s willingness to become a global ambassador for the game. Enshrined in in the Basketball Hall of Fame, Divac has made an impression not only in the United States but in his native Serbia as well.

That’s why so many were concerned when the NBA legend underwent emergency stomach surgery on Saturday afternoon.

"Former NBA center Vlade Divac underwent emergency stomach surgery in his native Serbia on Saturday.Doctors said in a statement that Divac was admitted to a Belgrade hospital after feeling “strong pains in his stomach.” However, his life was not threatened. His health problem was not specified."

Divac, who has previously served as the Serbian Olympic Committee head played for the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings during his impressive career. He’s also known to be one of pioneers of flopping, though, I’m not sure that’s something to be proud of though Divac himself is more than happy to embrace it.

After all, his flopping (along with an extremely talented Sacramento Kings roster) nearly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most historic playoff battles in NBA history during the 2002 Western Conference Finals.

Divac is expected to make a full recovery, thankfully.