Sep 30, 2013; Metairie, LA, USA; A detail of a New Orleans Pelicans logo poses for a portrait at Pelicans Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Number 16 is a fun number in New Orelans basketball history despite the fact that it has never been worn by a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Instead the number is full of lasting memories, all because of one man. Today we take a look here at the man who sported 16 on his back for his entire four-year stay with the Hornets and provide some of the most entertaining moments in New Orleans franchise history while doing so.
First to Wear #16: Peja Stojakovic, 2006-2011
Most Recent to Wear #16: Peja Stojakovic
Players to Wear #16 In Between: None
Peja Stojakovic is the most recent, and only, New Orleans player to wear the number 16. Stojakovic joined the team in 2006 in a trade with the Indiana Pacers for the draft rights to Andrew Betts and immediately provide New Orleans fans with a highlight to remember, despite playing in one only 13 games played that season due to injuries. On November 14, 2006, Stojakovic scored a career-high 42 points in a game versus the Charlotte Bobcats and in doing so became the first ever to score the opening 20 points for his team. Sadly just five games later things would start to turn in a way that tainted Peja’s entire career in New Orleans.
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Throughout his whole career as a Hornet, and elsewhere really, Stojakovic dealt with lingering injuries. His second season in New Orleans would be his healthiest the rest of his career as he played in 77 games during the teams first full season back in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. During that year Peja averaged 16.4 points per game while shooting a mind-blowing 44 percent from three on 6.8 attempts a game. In the two seasons following, he played in 61, and 62 games respectively due to the nagging injury issues and when Stojakovic played he played well, shooting 39 percent from behind the arc in both seasons on over 5 attempts per game.
While Number 16 won’t be hung in the rafters at Smoothie King Center anytime soon, it’s fun to think that one of the better foreign players to play the game sported it while playing for a New Orleans Team. Peja can just add this miniature achievement to his already large list; first and so far only, player to wear number 16 in a New Orleans uniform.