Peja Stojaković is a retired Serbian professional basketball player widely recognized as one of the most lethal shooters in NBA history. Born on April 9, 1977, in Belgrade (then SFR Yugoslavia), Peja rose from European leagues to become a franchise cornerstone and a global ambassador for the game.
9 Core Aspects
Early Life and Draft
Peja Stojaković was selected in the 1998 NBA Draft, Round 1, Pick 14 by the Sacramento Kings, signaling the arrival of a premier shooter to the league.
NBA Career: Kings Era
From 1998 to 2006, Peja Stojaković built a reputation as a lethal perimeter scorer and one of the league’s elite three-point shooters, helping the Kings to consistent playoff appearances.
Hornets Era
In 2006, Peja Stojaković joined the New Orleans Hornets, where he continued to space the floor and provide scoring efficiency for the team.
Mavericks Era and Championship
Peja Stojaković later joined the Dallas Mavericks, contributing to their 2011 NBA Championship and providing veteran leadership on the court.
International Play
Peja Stojaković represented Serbia and Montenegro, and later Serbia, at international tournaments, bringing NBA-level shooting to European competition and helping raise the profile of European players globally.
Shooting Style and Impact
Renowned for a quick release and off-ball movement, Peja Stojaković defined a generation of shooters and influenced how teams design spacing to maximize three-point opportunities.
Records and Awards
Peja Stojaković earned two NBA All-Star selections (2002, 2003) and captured the NBA Championship in 2011, among other career milestones reflecting his impact on the game.
Legacy and Influence
Peja Stojaković is widely regarded as one of the greatest European shooters in NBA history, whose career helped bridge international talent with the league’s modern shooting paradigm.
2025 Perspective
As of 2025, Peja Stojaković’s career continues to be referenced in discussions about shooters, modernization of the game, and the ongoing influence of international players in NBA history.
Discussion questions:
- How does Peja Stojaković rank among the era’s best shooters, and what criteria should we use?
- Was Peja Stojaković the most impactful European shooter in NBA history? Why or why not?
- How did Peja Stojaković’s international play influence the perception of European players in the NBA?
- Which Peja Stojaković moment best illustrates his impact on a playoff run?
- How would Peja Stojaković’s game translate to today’s spacing-heavy NBA?
CTA: Share your thoughts, memories, or debates about Peja Stojaković’s impact on the game and his standing in NBA history.