NBA: Kings name retired Serbian star Divac to exec job

Vlade Divac, a Serbian center who spent 16 seasons in the NBA, was named vice-president of basketball and franchise operations on Tuesday by the Sacramento Kings. The Kings, owned by Indian computer multi-millionaire businessman Vivek Ranadive, will look the 7-footer (2.16m) as an advisor to coaches and player evaluation contributor with duties helping the club's global branding efforts and pipeline to Europe's growing talent pool. Divac, who helped Yugoslavia win world titles in 1990 and 2002, spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, two with Charlotte and six with the Kings from 1998-2004 before retiring in 2005. "It's a great honor returning to the city that has provided a lifetime of unforgettable experiences," Divac said. "I often dreamed of having a role in helping our amazing fans realize the ultimate NBA prize." The Kings need all the help they can get. At 20-37, they are 11 1/2 games behind Oklahoma City for the final Western Conference playoff spot, all but assured of missing the post-season for the ninth season in a row. Sacramento's only trip to the conference finals came in 2002, when Divac led the team in its heyday. The Kings also went that deep in the playoffs in 1981 when based in Kansas City but the franchise's only NBA title came in 1951 when the team was based in Rochester, New York. "I'm thankful to Vivek for the opportunity and look forward to creating more special memories here," Divac said. While he averaged 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists a game for his career, 47-year-old Divac also has been active in humanitarian efforts as well, notably helping children's causes in Serbia and Africa. "With an unparalleled philanthropic track record that spans the globe, Vlade Divac is the epitome of our NBA 3.0 philosophy," Ranadive said. "He has a unique perspective and global stature that will only further elevate our organization around the world." Divac is among only four players in NBA history with 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, 1,600 blocked shots and 1,200 steals, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett. Divac's jersey number, 21, was retired by the Kings in 2009.