Oscar Schmidt dies at 68: chose Brazil over the NBA

Written by Bruno Teles

Published on 17/04/2026 at 23:55

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The greatest basketball player in the history of Brazil, Oscar Schmidt, died this Friday (17) in São Paulo at the age of 68. The cause of death has not been disclosed until now. Known as “Holy Hand,” Oscar built a legendary career that included five Olympics, a gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games, and the title of the highest scorer in the history of world basketball, but he never set foot on an NBA court, the most important league in the sport.

Oscar Schmidt’s story with the NBA is one of the most emblematic in Brazilian sports. In 1984, in the same draft where Michael Jordan was selected as the 3rd pick by the Chicago Bulls, Oscar was chosen in the 131st position by the New Jersey Nets. He was playing at the time for Juvecaserta in Italy and had the technical ability to compete in the American league. But a FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rule at the time prevented players who played in the NBA from representing their national teams in international competitions, including the Olympics.

For Oscar, the choice was clear: he preferred to represent Brazil rather than play in the NBA. This decision allowed him to compete in five Olympic Games and become the highest scorer in the history of basketball in official competitions, a record that remains unbeaten. The 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis was the peak: Oscar led Brazil to the gold medal by defeating the United States on their home turf.

The reunion with the NBA 30 years later

About three decades after the draft, Oscar Schmidt and the NBA finally reunited. In 2017, he was invited to the league’s All-Star Game.

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The Brazilian spent only a few minutes on the court but made both of his attempts, earning applause from the American audience. “If I had shot 20, I would have made 20,” he joked after the game.

Oscar was also honored by the Basketball Hall of Fame, recognition that solidified his place among the greatest in world sports.

Coach Steve Kerr, NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, even compared Oscar’s playing style to that of Stephen Curry, saying that the Brazilian had “a bit of Curry’s mentality” in his shooting.

Oscar’s career in Brazilian and European clubs yielded numbers that the NBA has never seen up close.

He scored over 49,000 points in his career, a volume that reflects not only talent but a rare competitive longevity in the sport.

At the clubs, he played for Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Juvecaserta in Italy, among others, always as a protagonist and offensive reference.

The legacy of Oscar Schmidt goes beyond the courts.

He publicly faced a long battle against a brain tumor diagnosed in 2011, underwent surgeries and treatments, and became a symbol of resilience for millions of Brazilians.

Even with the limitations imposed by the disease, he continued to participate in events, give lectures, and inspire new generations of athletes.

His story is often cited as an example of choosing the national team over money and individual fame, which can build a more lasting legacy than any NBA contract.

The highest scorer in the history of world basketball chose Brazil over the NBA and has never regretted it.

Comment below: Would Oscar Schmidt have been a star in the NBA if he had gone?

Oscar Schmidt dies at 68: chose Brazil over the NBA

The reunion with the NBA 30 years later

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