Thread Tools

Display Modes

**Peja Vu** · 07-22-2004, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Of all the changes surrounding Stojakovic, Divac's decision to leave the Kings is the most recent.

"I'm disappointed," Stojakovic said. "I'm disappointed, but that's the life. That's the business and life goes on. Vlade did what's best for him and his family, and I wish him the best."

Quote:

Stojakovic is eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child - a boy - with Greek model Aleka Kamila.

At the mention of being a father, a smile breaks out across his face. He anticipates an August arrival, but all is not yet ready, since he and Kamila have yet to pick out a name.

Becoming a father is one of the reasons Stojakovic passed on the Olympics, even though the Games are in the country he now calls home.

Stojakovic has played for the Serbia and Montenegro national team the last six years, but he said it's time to rest his body and not deal with the rigors of international play.

"It's also good to have time to myself and with my family, my friends," Stojakovic said. "Not a lot of traveling. Ground, ground."

Stojakovic just completed the best regular season of his career that included a 24.2-point average, second in the NBA. That success didn't carry over into the playoffs, however, and he's taken criticism for how his play slumped to an un-Peja like 17.5 ppg.

But Stojakovic said he hasn't given much thought to Chris Webber's comment after the Kings were eliminated when he mentioned wanting to play with those "who will step up" in times of adversity. Webber's comment was interpreted by many as a jab at Stojakovic.

"I just really don't want to comment," Stojakovic said. "The season's over ... I don't want to worry about that. I don't want to go back."

Since heading back to Greece following the season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Stojakovic has been serving in the Greek army, part of the process to become a Greek citizen.

He offered no specifics about his duties, only saying the military is understanding of an athlete's need to train, he gets up at 6 a.m., and that his service will be completed in August.

"I don't have a title," he said. "Just a regular soldier. You can't get a title in two months. You have to work for a title."

Stojakovic did say the military has been a good experience, even if a brief one.

"Only for three months," Stojakovic said. "It's a funny thing to the people here, but military in Europe - it's a serious thing. You are obligated to serve there."

Thread Tools Display Modes

Thread Tools

Display Modes