Peja Stojaković, born Predrag Stojaković on June 9, 1977, is a retired Serbian basketball star renowned for his elite three-point shooting and a defining figure for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Peja Stojaković helped shape the era’s shooting landscape and remains a benchmark for modern wings. His NBA career spanned roughly 1998–2011, and he also earned Olympic gold in 2000 and a 2002 FIBA World Championship title with Yugoslavia.
9 Core Aspects
1. Early Life and Rise
Peja Stojaković grew up in Serbia and honed his shooting touch, catching the eye of scouts with his form and range.
2. NBA Breakthrough with the Kings
Peja Stojaković became one of the league’s premier shooters during the early 2000s, contributing to the Kings’ dynamic offense and earning a reputation as a matchup nightmare on the perimeter.
3. Shooting Prowess and Three-Point Records
Known as one of the era’s elite three-point threats, Peja Stojaković brought confidence, spacing, and precision to every possession.
4. International Glory
Peja Stojaković was a key member of the FR Yugoslavia/Serbia and Montenegro teams, claiming Olympic gold in 2000 and a 2002 FIBA World Championship title.
5. Career Milestones and Awards
Peja Stojaković captured the NBA Three-Point Contest title in 2002 and enjoyed a long, impactful NBA tenure with the Kings and other franchises.
6. Legacy in Today’s NBA
Peja Stojaković’s shooting style influenced generations of players who value spacing, off-ball movement, and quick release.
7. Skills That Define Peja
Elite catch-and-shoot ability, off-ball movement, and deep-range threat distinguish Peja Stojaković among the game’s great shooters.
8. Life After the NBA
Post-retirement, Peja Stojaković has remained involved in basketball development and business ventures, continuing to contribute to the sport off the court.
9. Stats Snapshot
NBA career: 1998–2011. Olympic gold (2000). World Championship gold (2002). Three-Point Contest champion (2002). Peja Stojaković’s legacy as a sharpshooter persists in NBA stats discussions and Basketball history.
Discussion questions:
- Where does Peja Stojaković rank among the league’s best shooters of his era?
- How did Peja Stojaković’s shooting influence the Kings’ offense in the early 2000s?
- What set Peja apart from other European players who joined the NBA around that time?
- Do you think Peja Stojaković’s international success helped expand the global view of NBA-level shooters in the 2000s?
- Which current players remind you of Peja Stojaković in terms of shooting and off-ball gravity?
CTA: Share your take on Peja Stojaković’s impact on NBA basketball and the global game in 2025 and beyond.