Once Brothers (Trailer)

Once Brothers tells the story of two basketball players, Vlade Divac and Dražen Petrović, whose friendship was torn apart by the Yugoslav Wars in the early 1990s. Part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, it chronicles their journey from teammates on the Yugoslav national basketball team to NBA stars, and the tragic circumstances that prevented their reconciliation.

The documentary follows Divac, a Serbian, and Petrović, a Croatian, as they rise to prominence in European basketball. Together, they led the Yugoslav national team to unprecedented success, forging a close bond both on and off the court. Their talents soon caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to their transition to American basketball as two of the first foreign players to achieve stardom in the league.

However, their friendship was put to the test as political tensions in their homeland escalated. The breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent war between Serbia and Croatia placed Divac and Petrović on opposite sides of a bitter conflict. The film recounts a pivotal moment when Divac confronted a fan carrying a Croatian flag during a victory celebration, an incident that strained his relationship with Petrović and other Croatian teammates.

As the war intensified, communication between the two friends ceased. The documentary portrays their continued encounters on NBA courts, where they faced each other as opponents but no longer exchanged words. Tragically, before they could reconcile, Petrović was killed in a car accident in 1993.

The film features interviews with former teammates, coaches, and family members, providing insight into the personal and professional lives of both players. It also explores broader themes of nationalism, friendship, and the impact of political conflict on personal relationships. Through Divac’s perspective, the documentary reflects on the lasting effects of their estrangement and the regret of unresolved differences.