Vernon Maxwell Shares Nightmare of Facing Dražen Petrović

HOUSTON, Texas — Vernon Maxwell, a former NBA champion with the Houston Rockets, revealed that facing Dražen Petrović was one of the most challenging experiences of his career. In a recent interview, Maxwell expressed how Petrović’s skills on the court left him feeling outmatched. ‘I’d rather guard Michael Jordan than him. He gave me nightmares, honestly,’ Maxwell admitted.

Maxwell, who stands at 6-foot-4, discussed the physicality and finesse of the legendary Croatian player. ‘He was bigger than me. I’m 6’4. I mean, I’ve never seen anything like it before. He used to give me buckets. I was so frustrated, I couldn’t stop him,’ he explained.

The conversation about Petrović came during a discussion on the early days of the NBA and the formidable players who shaped the league. ‘He was dirty as hell, a dog, a demon on the court,’ Maxwell said, casting his mind back to some of his toughest matchups.

In a surprising turn, Maxwell stated that he often found himself more challenged by Petrović than by the iconic Michael Jordan. ‘That’s how bad it was for me,’ he concluded. This statement highlights the respect and fear that Petrović commanded during his career.

Maxwell’s commentary also ties into the broader NBA narrative of the importance of player reputation and the psychological impact of facing certain opponents. The intensity of competition in the league often extends beyond physical matchups. Maxwell noted that drawing the defensive assignment against Petrović was particularly taxing due to his offensive prowess.

In addition to his reflections on Petrović, Maxwell touched briefly on the current NBA season, referencing Donovan Mitchell‘s recent achievement of surpassing Michael Jordan for the highest career points per game against the Boston Celtics. ‘It’s all part of the game,’ he said, emphasizing how competition and stats evolve over time.

Maxwell seems to find a common thread of talent and tenacity crossing generations in the league. While discussing his personal experiences and the current league dynamics, he encouraged players to strive for greatness, underscoring that even elite talents like himself faced significant challenges.

As the basketball community continues to celebrate the legacies of past and present players, Maxwell’s candid remarks contribute to the rich tapestry of NBA history, reminding fans of the fierce rivalries and unforgettable matchups that define the sport.