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 after 13 seasons.

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."

Stojakovic does have the privilege of leaving the sport after nearly 20 years as a pro on an unquestioned high, thanks to some standout moments during the maiden title run in Mavericks history.

He scored 15 points and 21 points in home victories over the Los Angeles Lakers that sealed a second-round sweep over the then-defending champions, including a 6-for-6 performance from 3-point range in the Game 4 rout that eliminated L.A. and gave Stojakovic a measure of vengeance in the wake of the Sacramento Kings' bitter seven-game loss to the Lakers in the 2002 Western Conference finals.

But Stojakovic had to grit through persistent neck trouble in March -- believed to be related to his longstanding back woes -- just to work his way back into Rick Carlisle's playoff rotation.

He leaves the NBA with career averages of 17 points and 40-percent shooting from 3-point range, ranking fourth all-time with 1,760 careers 3s made after establishing himself as an All-Star with the Kings and later playing with the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets and Mavericks.

After breaking into the pro game at 14 with Red Star Belgrade, Stojakovic also starred in the Greek League with PAOK and helped the Serbian national team, then playing as Yugoslavia, win championships at the 2001 Eurobasket tournament and the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis.