Peja Stojakovic (born Predrag Stojakovic on June 9, 1977) is a Serbian former professional basketball player renowned for his elite 3-point shooting and floor spacing in the NBA. Across a career spanning 1998–2011, Peja Stojakovic made a lasting impact with the Sacramento Kings, later suiting up for the New Orleans Hornets and Toronto Raptors. Off the NBA floor, Peja Stojakovic helped FR Yugoslavia win the Olympic gold medal in 2000, underscoring his role on the international stage and cementing his status as one of Europe’s premier sharpshooters.
9 Core Aspects
Career Overview
- NBA career: 1998–2011; positions: small forward / shooting guard; prime years with the Kings.
- Teams: Sacramento Kings (1998–2006), New Orleans Hornets (2006–2010), Toronto Raptors (2010–2011).
Shooting & Playing Style
- Peja Stojakovic was celebrated for elite 3-point shooting, spacing, and movement without the ball; he routinely drew defenders out to the arc, creating opportunities for teammates.
- His shooting profile helped define floor spacing tactics that influenced NBA Basketball in the 2000s and beyond.
NBA Career Timeline
- Seasons: 13 in the NBA from 1998 to 2011.
- Key playoff runs with the Kings in the early 2000s and late-season production that kept teams honest on the perimeter.
International Impact
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2000 with FR Yugoslavia, highlighting his influence on the global stage.
- Continued inspiration for European players entering the NBA as a high-volume, skilled shooter.
Milestones & Honors
- Multiple All-Star level seasons in the early 2000s and sustained recognition as one of the premier NBA shooters of his era.
- Noted for clutch shooting and reliable outside scoring during playoff runs, strengthening the Kings’ offensive identity.
Stats Snapshot
- NBA seasons: 13; teams: 3; notable 3-point shooting volume and efficiency as a cornerstone of his offensive game.
- Career contributions included scoring, spacing, and veteran leadership during a transformative period for the league’s offense.
Legacy & Influence on the Game
- Peja Stojakovic helped propel the era of the stretch shooter, influencing how teams value outside shooting and floor spacing in modern Basketball.
- His style demonstrated that a skilled outside shooter could shape a franchise’s offensive identity and longevity.
Notable Moments
- Memorable playoff performances in the Kings’ runs during the early 2000s, featuring timely 3-pointers and key stretches.
- Olympic success in 2000 that cemented his standing as a world-class shooter on both NBA and international stages.
Off-Court & Post-Career
- Peja Stojakovic has engaged in business and community initiatives, leveraging his NBA platform for mentorship and charitable efforts.
Discussion Questions
- How did Peja Stojakovic influence your view of NBA 3-point shooting in the early 2000s?
- Do you think Peja Stojakovic’s shooting style changed how teams value floor spacing in today’s NBA?
- Which Peja Stojakovic moments from the Kings era stand out as turning points in his career?
- Is Peja Stojakovic underrated in the broader conversation about the era’s greatest shooters?
- How would Peja Stojakovic fit into today’s NBA with current analytics and spacing strategies?
Call to Action
As of 2025, Peja Stojakovic’s influence on NBA Basketball remains evident in how teams prioritize outside shooting. Share your take below and tell us where you rank Peja Stojakovic among the era’s great shooters.