Back when the Kings had Webber, Vlade etc and were on a high, Peja was the main man. The rate he was improving at, I was expecting him to be where Dirk is right now, putting up a stack of points and killing teams with his three pointers. What I want to know is this, do you guys think over the next couple of years he can regain that great form he used to have (especially against the Mavs during the epic playoff battles) or do you think that his best days were a product of his circumstances and being in a team with so many options that he was left open on the perimeter a lot? because I've heard people say that he can't create his own shot and works off screens or from guys kicking it out to him on the outside. It's just something I was curious about for awhile...because I felt like he was a hyped up player, but now that's all gone...
he's been injured quite a bit with back spasms and whatnot. he not much more than a three point jump shooter now.
I disagree with the injury theory. He just wasn't that good. I watched him too. He was one dimensional and a product of that high post system.
I've gone this entire season without ranting on Peja and I'll keep that intact. Peja just isn't the mentally strongest guy the NBA has ever seen. He also doesn't display toughness on a regular basis. Add to these his recent injuries, the fact he is 31 years old and in obvious decline = the Peja we see this season. To answer someone's question: The Peja of Sacramento lore is long gone.
he has sucked the past 2 seasons, he never did a thing vs the Rox, but many posters on here still thought he had game, it was always good when he was on the court cus he sux
Vlade Divacs was Peja's spine for the longest time. His mental game started going downhill after Vlade left.
Peja is the a great example of the genius of Adelman. Most players have their best season under him. Adelman just brings out the best in his players.
Similar issues that caused McGrady's decline. I'm not saying Peja was as good as McGrady at McGrady's peak, just that age and wear and tear are causing his decline. McGrady may be younger but he came into the league at a young age and was also fragile physically.
the guy is nearly 32, and he's been playing pro ball since he was 15 (i.e. more miles on that body than normal from 15-22) that takes its toll, and his body has shown the wear and tear
When wing players are over 30... A good reason for Morey to be careful with what he does with Artest this off-season.
Remember the days when Steve Francis was the most electrifying PG in the game who supposedly re-revolutionized the position. AI was dropping 50 night in and night out, people were arguing who was better between Kobe and Mcgrady and Peja was actually a legit MVP candidate. Ya... those days are long gone.
that's somewhat the reason i posted this thread... tmac foreshadow... do you guys think both of these players will get back on track??
