By Jojo Doria

Dallas, TX

Peja Stojakovic is going out a champion.

The 13-year veteran is retiring from the NBA because of recurring neck and back injuries.

While it was likely a hard decision, it was made a bit easier by the fact that Stojakovic won an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks last season.

The 14th overall pick of Sacramento in 1996, he averaged 17 points and 40 percent 3-point shooting for his career.

"I feel so blessed to have been given the athletic gifts to play professional basketball," he said in a statement. "I have always loved the game and have great respect for it. I promised myself a long time ago if it came to the point where my heart and body were not 100% committed, I would step away. I have reached that point."

The 34-year-old was a three-time All-Star and twice lead the NBA in free-throw shooting.

"Thank you everyone for all the love, I knew it was time and had such a great time. NBA is my love and it will be always," Stojakovic said on Twitter.

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Peja Stojakovic Retires from NBA