Peja Stojaković
The ultimate sharpshooter who redefined the perimeter game for Sacramento.
Predrag Stojaković, known as Peja, is a Serbian former professional basketball player who starred for the Sacramento Kings in the 2000s. Drafted 14th overall by the Kings in the 1996 NBA draft, he continued playing in Greece until signing with Sacramento prior to the 1998–99 lockout season. After two seasons on the bench, he had a breakthrough season in 2000–01, averaging 20.4 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting .400 from three-point range in his first season as a starter. He finished second in voting for the 2001 Most Improved Player Award. A three-time NBA All-Star and member of the 2004 All-NBA Second Team, Stojaković helped the Kings reach the 2002 Western Conference Finals. He is regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, having made 1,760 three-point field goals in his career, which ranked fourth all-time upon his retirement.
- Jersey Number
- 16
- Key Achievement
- NBA All-Star Selection (2002, 2003, 2004)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Peja's arrival in Sacramento marked a turning point, transforming the Kings from a talented but inconsistent squad into one of the most exciting offenses in NBA history. His ability to hit shots from well beyond the three-point line forced defenses to expand their coverage, creating driving lanes for teammates like Mike Bibby and Chris Webber. This synergy created a style of play that thrilled fans at the ARCO Arena, characterized by fluid motion and an endless barrage of jumpers. In 2001–02, he played in the NBA All-Star Game for the first time, averaging 21.2 points per game with career highs in shooting percentage (.484) and three-point percentage (.416). He won the Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend in both 2002 and 2003. In 2003–04, he finished second in the league in scoring with a career-high 24.2 points per game, finished fourth in MVP voting, and was voted onto the All-NBA Second Team. He also led the NBA in free-throw percentage (.933) and three-pointers made (240) that season.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with a nervous energy as the clock ticked under ten seconds in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Peja caught the ball at the top of the key, his form automatic despite the deafening roar of the crowd. He didn't hesitate; one smooth motion, the ball arced high against the bright arena lights, and for a split second, time seemed to suspend before the net whispered its approval. On 25 January 2006, Stojaković was traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Ron Artest, ending his eight-year tenure with the Kings. His number 16 was retired by the Sacramento Kings on 16 December 2014.
Reader's Guide
Visiting the legacy of Peja Stojaković in Sacramento means understanding the atmosphere of the ARCO Arena (now Golden 1 Center), where his shadow still looms large over the hardwood. Fans often gather near the memorial displays honoring the '04 team, recounting the specific games where Peja's shooting was unstoppable. The local community remembers him not just for stats, but for the sheer joy he brought to the city during a time of intense rivalry with Los Angeles. Chants and stories from that era are still passed down in local sports bars, celebrating his unique ability to drain shots from anywhere on the floor. While the arena has changed names and facades, the spirit of Peja's era remains a core part of Kings culture. Fans often wear vintage number 16 jerseys as a nod to that magical window, keeping the memory of his graceful game alive for new generations.
Did You Know?
- Peja finished second in voting for the 2001 Most Improved Player Award.
- He won the NBA Three-Point Contest two times during All-Star Weekend competitions.
- In 2003–04, he led the NBA in free-throw percentage (.933) and three-pointers made (240).
- He was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2004.
- The Sacramento Kings retired his number 16 on 16 December 2014.