Kings should retire Stojakovic's No. 16
For most of his 13 seasons in the NBA – the first 7 1/2 in Sacramento – Peja Stojakovic won a constant battle of mind over body.
But Monday morning, Stojakovic told ESPN that his aching body had finally won the war.
With chronic pain in his back and neck, not to mention a wobbly left knee and that iron rod in his right leg, Stojakovic said he will retire at 34.
He goes out as an NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks.
He goes out fourth on the NBA's all-time list of three-pointers made with 1,760 – and first in Kings history at 1,070.
He goes out as one of Sacramento's all-time favorite Kings, a player whose No. 16 should hang from the Power Balance Pavilion rafters soon alongside the jerseys of former teammates Chris Webber (No. 4) and Vlade Divac (No. 21).
Stojakovic was the stubbly, baby-faced assassin on the Kings' original Fab Five.
Webber was the muscle inside, Jason Williams thrilled crowds with no-look passes, Divac played point-center, and Doug Christie supplied the defense.
But it was Stojakovic who killed teams from beyond the arc. He was in constant motion, flowing along the baseline like a shark, scoring on back-door feeds and hitting threes from the corner.
J-Will was the first to leave, followed by Christie, Vlade and Webber. His body already betraying him, Stojakovic was traded to Indiana for Ron Artest in January 2006. His pain never subsided there or in stops in New Orleans, Toronto and Dallas, where he made big shots in big games in the Mavs' postseason.
Stojakovic still has the skills to make three-pointers. It's a shame his body no longer will allow him.
It's time for one of Sacramento's favorite sons to come home and be celebrated.
What to watch
NBA exhibition, Kings vs. Warriors, 7 p.m., CSNCA: The second and final exhibition game of the season.
Today's poll
Should the Kings retire Peja Stojakovic's No. 16 jersey?
• Yes
• No
Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Weekend result
Do you believe the Maloofs want to keep the Kings in Sacramento?
• Yes: 30%
• No: 70%
Total votes: 888
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