"After cementing his reputation as one of the finest shooters in NBA history by helping the Dallas Mavericks win their first championship, Peja Stojakovic has decided to retire.

The three-time All-Star told ESPN.com on Monday that the physical toll involved in playing after a string of back and neck troubles, at age 34, convinced him that "it's time" to step away from the game despite interest from a handful of contenders in signing the sharpshooter away from the Mavericks.

"When you start competing against your body more than you're preparing for the actual game," Stojakovic said, "it's a wakeup call.""