Former Phoenix Suns’ Amar’e Stoudemire, who spent eight seasons with the Suns, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Stoudemire spent the bulk of his career with the Suns and the New York Knicks and chose to retire with New York.
The Phoenix Suns issued the following statement on Tuesday regarding his retirement:
“The Phoenix Suns family congratulates Amar’e Stoudemire on a remarkable NBA career. As the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year and a five-time All-Star during his time in Phoenix, Amar’e’s eight seasons with our franchise provided some of the most exciting Suns basketball this city has ever seen. Off the court, Amar’e represented himself with integrity and class every step of the way, leaving an indelible impression on countless kids in our community. We’re proud to have called Amar’e one of our own and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement. Congrats, STAT!”
The forward was notorious for his dunking and exciting Suns fans during the 2005 Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs where he averaged 37 points and shot 55 percent from the field. Stoudemire made the All-Star Game five of his eight seasons as a Sun and played with Steve Nash who mentioned Stoudemire in his own retirement letter last year.
Part of it read:
“What do they say about men with big hands? They have quick feet? A’mare Stoudemire had both — and he made me look like an artist at times. Thanks, big man.”
Reports suggest that although Stoudemire is retiring from the NBA, he may still play basketball professionally overseas.
