Most NBA fans were surprised this week when Amar’e Stoudemire made his retirement announcement. We weren’t surprised at the retirement itself, given his constant battle with injuries and now age. Nope, we were more surprised with the fact he retired as a member of the Knicks, rather than the Suns, the team he really made his name with. It turns out, Amar’e tried to make that happen first but he didn’t feel the love from Phoenix, so he retired where he was wanted.
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Amar’e signed a one day contract with the Knicks earlier this week so he could officially retire with the team. According to him, the Suns didn’t really make him feel like he was welcomed back.
“That would’ve been the perfect way to go out,” Stoudemire told The Arizona Republic on Thursday. “I didn’t want to beg Phoenix. My heart was in two places — Phoenix and New York. I just went where I was wanted.”
Stoudemire, 33, averaged 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 846 career games over 14 seasons for Phoenix, New York, Dallas and Miami, the first eight of which were for the Suns.
“I love my fans in Phoenix. Most of my high times and highlights were in Phoenix. I put forth the effort to finish my career in Phoenix, but it wasn’t well-received.”
Amar’e formed one of the best pick-and-roll duos ever during his time in Phoenix alongside Steve Nash and it was some of the best times for fans of the franchise. It’s a shame the Suns weren’t more open to Amar’e retiring with them but the Knicks stepped up and did the right thing.
With the said, enjoy some of Stoudemire’s highlights from his time in New York.
