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The NBA jersey advent calendar: 25 days of hoops history for the holidays

By Aaron Hertzog

Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 10: Peja Stojakovic
SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 10: Peja Stojakovic /

16. Peja Stojakovic — Sacramento Kings

This is a story about one of the most well-remembered teams to never win an NBA Championship. A team that battled against the powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers of the early 2000s and time after time almost came out on top. A squad that nearly reached the NBA Promised Land only to fall a few shots (or perhaps a few whistles) short of NBA Finals immortality. This is a story about the Sacramento Kings of the 2000s.

Chris Webber was playing at his absolute peak and was surrounded by solid role players and borderline stars in Mike Bibby, Vlade Divac, Hedo Turkoglu, Brad Miller, and Jayson Williams. Under head coach Rick Adleman the team played a style that TNT’s Kevin Harlan remembered fondly.

"“That was really a special West Coast rivalry that stood out on its own. It was so fun, so enjoyable. And what stood out to me was the style of how the Kings played the game. The European influence was certainly there. There was passing; there was speed. They had terrific guys coming off the bench. It was really some of the best NBA basketball I’ve had the chance to watch over my many years involved with the league.”"

Peja Stojakovic joined his teammate Webber as an All-Star for the first time during the 2001-02 season. He averaged 21.2 points per game, and he reached career highs in shooting percentage 48.4) and 3-point percentage (41.6). This was also the year the Kings got closest to a championship, taking a 3-2 lead into Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals before losing the final two games to the Lakers.

The regal purple and white of the team’s jersey and font choice that would look right at home on a shield from the middle ages provide a strong look. This choice is more for the team to get their due than the overall style.

Long live the (early 2000s Sacramento) Kings.

Honorable Mention: Pau Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies), Al Attles (San Francisco Warriors), Red Holzman (Rochester Royals), Bob Lanier (Detroit Pistons)

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