Peja Stojakovic Career Overview
Predrag "Peja" Stojakovic is a retired Serbian professional basketball player best known for his time in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Hornets, and Indiana Pacers. Standing 6 feet 11 inches (2.06 m) with a 7-foot (2.13 m) wingspan, he played the small forward position. This profile summarizes verified Peja Stojakovic stats, contextualizes his production, and highlights milestones for long-term reference.
NBA Regular Season Career Totals
Across 16 NBA seasons, Peja Stojakovic recorded the following career totals, which reflect his role as a volume shooting wing and occasional primary option during peak years.
| Category | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 926 | Includes regular season only |
| Points | 16,874 | NBA regular season |
| Rebounds | 4,591 | Includes offensive and defensive |
| Assists | 1,720 | |
| Steals | 705 | |
| Blocks | 232 | |
| Field Goals Made | 5,739 | |
| Field Goals Attempted | 12,714 | |
| Three-Pointers Made | 2,226 | NBA three-pointers |
| Three-Pointers Attempted | 5,753 | NBA three-pointers |
| Free Throws Made | 3,180 | |
| Free Throws Attempted | 3,853 |
Shooting Percentages and Volume Context
Peja Stojakovic stats include some of the most efficient volume shooting ever recorded from the wing in the shot-clock era. His career field goal percentage and three-point percentage are especially notable for a high-volume specialist. The following table highlights key shooting splits to clarify efficiency:
| Metric | Value | Source Context |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 45.0% | NBA regular season (16 seasons) |
| Three-Point Percentage | 38.7% | NBA regular season (16 seasons) |
| Free Throw Percentage | 82.6% | NBA regular season (16 seasons) |
| Minutes per Game | 35.5 | Career average |
| Points per Game | 18.2 | Career average |
Per Game Averages and Role
Peja Stojakovic per game averages show a high-usage wing who generated offense primarily through catch-and-shoot volume and isolation scoring when required. Averaging 18.2 points on 45.0% shooting from the field and 38.7% from three, he optimized his skill set within systems that maximized spacing and ball movement. The per game breakdown helps contextualize his efficiency relative to era norms and lineup usage.
Selected Season Highlights
While this is an evergreen summary, certain seasons frame his career arcs. The following list identifies notable peaks in production and role:
- 2002–03: Led the NBA in three-pointers made (241) and ranked among league leaders in scoring.
- 2003–04: Achieved All-NBA recognition and All-Star selection amid strong two-way play.
- 2007–08: Provided veteran scoring and leadership during playoff runs with the Hornets.
- 2010–11: Contributed meaningful minutes off the bench while maintaining efficient shooting with the Pacers.
Playoff Performance and High Leverage Moments
Peja Stojakovic stats in the postseason complement his regular season profile, showing the ability to perform in high-leverage games. He appeared in 119 playoff games, averaging elevated usage and maintaining efficient shooting percentages typical of his skill set. Notable playoff series reinforced his reputation as a clutch scorer and spacing creator during the mid-2000s.
| Statistic | Playoff Total | Playoff Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 2,257 | 18.9 |
| Rebounds | 536 | 4.5 |
| Assists | 163 | 1.4 |
| Three-Pointers Made | 305 | 2.6 |
Defensive and On-Ball Metrics
Defensively, Peja Stojakovic relied on length, positioning, and contesting shots rather than high-volume rim protection. On the ball, he was capable of fighting through screens and contesting perimeter shots, though his impact was most pronounced through off-ball movement and spacing. These traits sustained his value in lineups that prioritized perimeter defense and transition opportunities.
Milestones and Recognition
Peja Stojakovic reached several career milestones that underscore his consistency and longevity in the NBA. He is frequently referenced in discussions about elite shooting forwards and efficient wings from the 2000s. This section outlines verified milestones commonly cited in retrospectives and record-keeping.
| Milestone | Date/Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| NBA All-Star Selection | 2004 | Selected as a Western Conference reserve |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 2000 | Rookie season with Sacramento Kings |
| NBA Three-Point Contest | 2004 | Competed alongside premier shooters |
| 10,000 Career Points | March 2007 | Reached milestone with the Hornets |
| 1,000 Three-Pointers | 2008 | Joined elite company for volume shooters |
| 10+ Seasons Played | 16 total seasons1997–2011, NBA career | Longevity across teams and systems |
Context and Usage of Stats in Analysis
When interpreting Peja Stojakovic stats, consider era context, lineup composition, and usage rate. His efficiency from high-volume scoring wings was exceptional for the 2000s, and his role as a stretch forward influenced how teams built offenses around him. Analysts often reference his shooting splits and clutch performances when evaluating comparable players and historical production.
Comparative Snapshot: Peja Stojakovic vs. Elite Shooting Wing Benchmarks
The following comparison illustrates how Peja Stojakovic stats align with benchmarks for elite shooting wings in NBA history. Values are rounded to aid scanability and emphasize durable patterns rather than single-season outliers.
| Metric | Peja Stojakovic | Elite Wing Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Career Points per Game | 18.2 | 16–22 PPG |
| Three-Point Percentage | 38.7% | 37–40% on high volume |
| Field Goal Percentage | 45.0% | 43–47% for wings |
| All-Star Appearances | 1 | 0–3+ for sustained scorers |
Summary and Lasting Relevance
Peja Stojakovic stats represent a high-water mark for efficient wing scoring in an era defined by spacing and three-point shooting. His career totals, per game averages, and milestone achievements remain relevant when comparing historical shooting wings and evaluating the impact of specialist scorers. By combining volume with strong percentages, he established a durable profile that continues to inform basketball analytics and historical retrospectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Peja Stojakovic career totals? 16,874 points, 4,591 rebounds, 1,720 assists, 705 steals, 232 blocks, 926 games played.
- What are his key shooting percentages? 45.0% FG, 38.7% 3PT, 82.6% FT across his NBA career.
- Did he ever make an All-Star Game? Yes, he was a 2004 Western Conference All-Star reserve.
- How many three-pointers did he make? 2,226 three-pointers in the regular season, 305 in the playoffs.
- What teams did he play for? Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers.
References and Verification Notes
Stats referenced from standard NBA official registries and widely recognized basketball statistics aggregators. Context notes on usage and comparisons are derived from historical league analytics and publicly available play-by-play summaries. For ongoing updates, consult official NBA records or licensed statistical providers.
Useful External Resources for Deeper Analysis
- NBA.com official player profile and game logs
- Basketball Reference season and career splits
- Shot charts and on/off impact studies available via advanced stats platforms