The NBA compiled the top-10 plays of Amar’e Stoudemire’s 14-year career, and it’s an absolute blast to watch and remember what a force of nature STAT once was.
Stoudemire, 33, announced his retirement earlier this week.
The six-time All-Star played for four teams, winning Rookie of the Year honors and pulverizing defenders anywhere near the hoop until his knees betrayed him.
Per the AP:
Stoudemire retired Tuesday after signing a contract with the Knicks with much less fanfare than the $100 million deal he inked six years ago to halt the team’s downward spiral.
Still just 33 years old but with knees that hadn’t been healthy in years, the 6-foot-10 forward asked team president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills to add another signing to the ones they hope will lead to the first playoff berth since Stoudemire left. […] “I came to New York in 2010 to help revitalize this franchise and we did just that,” Stoudemire said. “Carmelo (Anthony), Phil and Steve have continued this quest, and with this year’s acquisitions, the team looks playoff-bound once again.”
Stoudemire was the No. 9 pick in the 2002 draft and averaged 21.4 points in eight seasons with the Suns, teaming with point guard (Steve) Nash to help them become the NBA’s most potent offense. Stoudemire had just led the Suns to the 2010 Western Conference finals before joining his former coach there, Mike D’Antoni, in New York. […] “As the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year and a five-time All-Star during his time in Phoenix, Amare’s eight seasons with our franchise provided some of the most exciting Suns basketball this city has ever seen,” the Suns said in a statement.
