Kings plan to retire Webber, Divac jerseys

Chris Webber and Vlade Divac, two of the players most responsible for transforming the Kings into one of the NBA’s most entertaining and successful franchises of the late 1990s and early part of this decade, will have their jerseys retired later this season.

Webber’s ceremony is Feb. 6, either at halftime or after the Utah Jazz game. Divac’s ceremony is March 31, a date he requested so that friend and former teammate Peja Stojakovic can attend while in town with the New Orleans Hornets.

“We have a great deal of respect for Vlade and Chris,” Gavin Maloof said Wednesday. “We really appreciate their efforts and what they did for our franchise nationally and internationally.”

It’s been five years since the last King had his jersey retired. Mitch Richmond, who donned No. 2, became the first Sacramento-era player so honored and seventh in franchise history. The Kings also retired No. 6 in tribute to fans as the sixth man.

“That’s what you aspire to as a player, to have your number retired someday,” said Maloof, adding plans for the ceremonies had been in the works since the summer.

Webber’s best years were in his seven season with the Kings, when he earned four All-Star nods and led the franchise into the NBA’s upper echelon.

Maloof said he has fond memories of both players, pinpointing his favorite recollection of Webber.

“The memory I have is when we put the billboard up that said Joe (Maloof) would mow his lawn if he stayed (after becoming a free agent in 2001),” Gavin said.

Webber, an explosive, versatile power forward, faced his biggest obstacle when he suffered a career-threatening knee injury during the Western Conference semifinals in 2003. He was never the same after microfracture surgery on his shattered knee.