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| Pictured in a Dallas uniform only because he won a title in it, and he deserves to go out on top. |
I would not be able to call myself a Kings fan if I did not take a chance to pay tribute to the man who was part of the reason for me being a fan of Sacramento in the first place. Back when I was a kid and the NBA was a relatively new concept to me, the Kings were the logical choice as they had two of my countrymen (Peja and Divac) on the squad. Although I grew to love the entire team, Peja and Vlade would always hold a special place in my heart because if it wasn't for them I might not be a fan of basketball today. Although the Kings teams with Peja on it never won the title (to be fair, we all know that game 6 against the Lakers was fixed and cost the Kings a title that year) the memories they brought to me as a fan will stay with me forever. My tribute to Peja is to share those memories with you.
Memory # 1
Peja winning the 3-point shootout in back-to-back years. This really established him as a premier shooter in the league, and he would go on to finish 4th all time in 3 pointers made. Having only played 13 seasons in the league this was pretty solid evidence that the shootout wins were no flukes.
Memory # 2
Holding it down without Webber. When Chris Webber collapsed in a heap against Dallas in 2003 and was ruled out for the series, no one gave the Kings a chance. Even though they did eventually lose to Dallas it was not without a fight. Peja stepped in and had some of his best games ever as Sacramento fought bravely to force seven games (Webber went down in game 2). It took a 141-137 win by the Mavs in game 3 and some ridiculous shooting by Nick Van Exel to finally put the Kings away, but I will never forget how Peja stepped it up.
Memory # 3
Peja finishing fourth in the MVP voting. With Webber sidelined for an extended period of time, and Peja being option number one for the first time in his NBA career many wondered if Peja could do it. When Sacramento raced out to the best record in the league, and Peja enjoying a career year in points, rebounds, and shooting across the board he showed that, yes he could. While many fans will blame Webber for coming back and ruining the chemistry of the team, causing them to struggle late in the season and lose in seven games to a hungry Wolves team lead by KG (and in all honesty the Kings were better, watch the games again if you don't believe me) I do not. Yes, it is really easy to point at Webber and blame him but there were key factors in play. Firstly, he got rushed back by an eager Adelman who was desperate to give Brad Miller and Vlade Divac some rest (Darius Songaila was their best and ONLY big man off the bench). Secondly, the injury to Bobby Jackson left the Kings with a very thin bench and forced Christie to play back-up PG. Once Bibby picked up two fouls, the Kings offense would shut-down and that is the primary reason Peja struggled with Webber back. The most disappointing thing about losing to the Wolves was not the loss itself, it was the fact that it prevented a re-match against the Lakers. However, that turned out alright because...
Memory # 4
Peja getting his revenge on the Lakers and winning a title in the process. Not much to describe here, after all it did just happen.
Memory # 5
His playoff performances against the Mavs and Wolves in 2004. Against the Mavs Peja guarded a game-winning or tying attempt by Dallas' big 3 (Nash, Dirk, Finley) in 3 separate games, guess what? He won every match-up. He forced Nash (who would win the MVP the year after) into a tough shot, poked the ball away from Dirk and locked down Finley. Then against the wolves, well I will just leave you with a few videos. Quick thing you should know: with 2:01 remaining in game 3 against the Wolves, the score was 100-87 in favor of the Wolves. When the clock hit 0:00 the score was 104-104 what the hell happened? Peja happened. First he hit a jumper, then had consecutive steals and assists to set up Bibby 3's and then...
The crowd reaction to this one is amazing
But nothing compared to this one.
Thank you Peja, you wont be forgotten
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