Peja Stojakovic is Retiring

[Giantmetfan07]

After cementing his reputation as one of the finest shooters in NBA history by helping the Dallas Mavericks win their first championship, Peja Stojakovic has decided to retire after 13 seasons.

Stojakovic told ESPN.com on Monday that the physical toll caused by a string of back and neck troubles, at age 34, convinced the three-time All-Star that "it's time" to step away from the game despite interest from a handful of contenders in signing the sharpshooter away from the Mavericks.

"When you start competing against your body more than you're preparing for the actual game," Stojakovic said, "it's a wakeup call."

Stojakovic does have the privilege of leaving the sport on an unquestioned high after some standout moments during the maiden title run in Mavericks history.

He scored 15 points and 21 points in back-to-back home victories over the Los Angeles Lakers that sealed a second-round sweep over the then-reigning champions, including a 6-for-6 performance from 3-point range in the Game 4 rout that eliminated L.A.

He leaves the NBA with career averages of 17 points and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range, ranking fourth all-time with 1,760 career 3-pointers made after establishing himself as an All-Star with the Sacramento Kings and later playing with the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets and Mavericks.

- ESPN

used to love Peja back in Sacramento.

 

[Rios15]

Yeah, Peja's Sacramento days were his finest. Used to love playing with him, Bibby and Webber in 2k5. Will miss him, but he's just not the same player anymore.

 

[Pugz]

one helluva shooter thats forsure but he had more to his game, too. sad to see him fade like he did but injuries hit him hard.

 

[footballplaya52]

Yeah, Peja's Sacramento days were his finest. Used to love playing with him, Bibby and Webber in 2k5. Will miss him, but he's just not the same player anymore.

i use the 01/02 kings in 2k12 all the time lol

 

[Mexi]

hated playing against peja
congrats on a great career

 

[DJT]

Good decision, he had a good career. Those Sactown days were no joke.

 

[RipCity32]

Good bye to one of the best 3pt shooters of all time.