Peja Stojaković, a Serbian basketball player, became known for his exceptional shooting ability and played a vital role in the NBA during his career. Born on June 9, 1977, in Slavonska Požega, then part of Yugoslavia, Stojaković began his professional career in Europe before making his way to the United States. He started playing basketball at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, joining the Greek team PAOK Thessaloniki in 1993. His performance in the Greek league caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Sacramento Kings as the 14th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Stojaković joined the Kings in 1998, after spending two more years honing his skills in Europe. His arrival in Sacramento coincided with a period of transformation for the team, which was building a roster that would become one of the most exciting in the league. Known for his sharp shooting from beyond the arc, Stojaković quickly became an integral part of the Kings' offensive strategy. His ability to score from long range complemented the team's fast-paced, high-scoring style of play.
During his tenure with the Kings, Stojaković developed into one of the league's premier shooters. He was a three-time NBA All-Star, earning selections in 2002, 2003, and 2004. In the 2003-2004 season, he averaged a career-high 24.2 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. Stojaković's shooting accuracy was a significant asset for the Kings, and he consistently ranked among the league leaders in three-point shooting percentage.
The Kings enjoyed considerable success during Stojaković's time with the team, regularly making deep playoff runs. The 2001-2002 season was particularly memorable, as the Kings reached the Western Conference Finals, pushing the Los Angeles Lakers to a thrilling seven-game series. Although the Kings fell short of reaching the NBA Finals, Stojaković's performances were instrumental in the team's success.
In 2006, Stojaković was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he played briefly before signing with the New Orleans Hornets. His time with the Hornets was marked by continued excellence in shooting, and he played a key role in helping the team reach the playoffs. Injuries, however, began to take a toll on his performance and playing time.
Stojaković later joined the Toronto Raptors in 2010, but his stint there was short-lived. He was subsequently acquired by the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. With the Mavericks, Stojaković found a new opportunity to contribute to a championship-contending team. His veteran presence and shooting ability provided valuable depth to the Mavericks' roster.
The 2010-2011 season culminated in a remarkable achievement for Stojaković and the Mavericks, as they won the NBA Championship. Stojaković played a crucial role in the team's playoff success, particularly with his shooting in key moments. Winning the championship was a fitting conclusion to his NBA career, as he retired shortly after the Mavericks' triumph.
Throughout his career, Stojaković was known for his exceptional shooting skills, particularly from three-point range. He ranks among the top shooters in NBA history, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 40.1%. His ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.
Beyond his NBA career, Stojaković also represented his national team, Yugoslavia, in international competitions. He was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2001 FIBA European Championship and the 2002 FIBA World Championship, further cementing his legacy as one of the great shooters in basketball history.
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