Víctor Claver puts an end to his career in the world of basketball. For 18 seasons, Claver has delighted with his basketball to all lovers of this sport, in Europe and NBA.
Formed in the youth categories of Valencia Basquet, he became part of the first team in 2006, playing six seasons and being a key player in the 2010 EuroCup title before leaving the Club and becoming an NBA player.
He accepted the American dream at a time when the American league was looking for talent beyond its borders and the Old Continent was the best showcase for it. Number 22 in the first round of the 2009 draft, he was not a regular in Portland and his fans and especially his detractors highlighted more his lack of play in the NBA than having another Spanish player in the best league in the world.
He returned to Europe and signed for the Russian Khimki and the following season he signed for Lokomotiv Kuban playing the final four of the highest continental competition. In 2016 he returned to the ACB signing for Barça where he won the league and a Cup, returning to what was his home, Valencia Basquet to stay three seasons and say goodbye to basketball, thus closing the circle.
Key player in the triumphs of the National Team, a soldier under Scariolo’s orders. He was never a protagonist but he was always a regular for the coach, accumulating 169 internationals. It has coincided with a golden and fruitful period in terms of titles and has collaborated in most of them. Victor Claver has helped to win four golds, one silver and two bronzes between Europeans, World Championships and Olympic Games.
“Indelible legacy”
Since he announced his retirement, there have been many expressions of affection and messages posted on social networks by different sports personalities. Pau Gasol posted on X that “it has been a privilege to enjoy all these years and share great moments” and ended by congratulating Claver for the “indelible legacy”.
“There are good people and at the top of the good people are you Victor Claver. It has been an honor to have shared so much with you. Congratulations on your incredible career and best of luck for what is to come,” said Sergio Llull. Chus Mateo, Real Madrid’s coach expressed the same sentiment as Llull.
Valencia Basquet, which will pay tribute to him in the coming days, has emphasized that Victor is a “Taronja Legend” and other clubs such as Baskonia have also dedicated messages about Claver’s farewell to basketball. In addition, the ACB League itself has surrendered to the career of the forward “400 games, 8,158 minutes and 2392 points, titles, medals and awards. His name is now forever part of the history of our sport and the courts will always remember him as a tireless worker. Thank you for this journey, Victor”. They have also had a message of affection from the NBA’s Spanish profile with a photo of him wearing a Portland Trail Blazers jersey.
In addition, as a token of affection, Juancho Hernangómez will play the Pre-Olympic with the “10” that Claver wore in the national team.
Nunca saber dónde puedes terminar. O empezar. pic.twitter.com/qItbtS2frN
— Victor Claver (@Victor_Claver) July 1, 2024
“I close this stage of my life with the peace of mind of having given everything and of having done it by being me, Victor. Thanks to all of you who have been part of this journey, those who have rejoiced with my triumphs and those who have suffered with my defeats. I will look for new challenges outside the courts, where I hope we will continue to meet” has published Víctor Claver himself.
