Quote:
Originally Posted by Assani Fisher
Drazen had a history of being unhappy with his role and situation though. From wiki:
Self-admittedly, Petrović needed new challenges, which Cibona and the Yugoslavian league could not offer. Across the Atlantic, the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA had already used their third round pick on young Petrović in 1986. However, he decided to postpone his departure to the United States and in 1988 signed with Real Madrid instead, for at that time a hefty sum of around US$ 4 million
The beginning of the 1990-1991 season brought Petrović's frustration to a climax, as his playing time dropped to 7 minutes a game.[13] At his insistence, 38 games into the season (in 20 of which Petrović didn't see any playing time), a three-way trade with the Denver Nuggets sent him to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for a first-round pick in the following draft
He was contemplating departure from the Nets, disappointed with tension between himself and, to his belief, envious teammates, as well as the fact that the Nets had not yet extended his contract. He told American reporters that the lack of recognition in the league had him also considering leaving the NBA completely and playing club basketball in Greece.
For personal reasons, Petrović decided not to return to Croatia from Poland together with his teammates, but in a private vehicle.
As said by EPip, he had a beef with the Nets not extending his contract.
I don't want to remind you who his teammates were, but he was not the biggest headcase of the team (no denying his Ego though)
As for his frustation with the Blazers, his play proved him right. As soon as he was given playing time, he became an efficient 20PPG scorer, just like he had always said he would if given a chance.