STAT — Rookie of the Year who powered the Seven Seconds or Less Suns offence as the most explosive big man of his era.
Amar'e Carsares Stoudemire was born in Lake Wales, Florida in 1982. Phoenix Suns selected him ninth overall in the 2002 NBA Draft directly from high school. His 14-season career produced 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game along with six All-Star appearances. He won the Rookie of the Year in 2003. He averaged 26.0 points per game in 2004-05 alongside Steve Nash in Phoenix's revolutionary Seven Seconds or Less offence. He was named All-NBA Second Team three times. His combination of athleticism — his vertical leap and explosiveness were exceptional — with post scoring and the ability to finish alley-oops made him the ideal partner for Nash's playmaking. Eye injuries limited his effectiveness from 2007 onwards. He signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the New York Knicks in 2010 — the first major free agent to choose New York in years — before injuries prevented him from fully fulfilling the deal. He is deeply connected to Israeli culture through his Jewish heritage, received Israeli citizenship in 2010 and later played professionally in Israel. He converted to Judaism through his paternal heritage.
High-flying dunks and pick-and-roll offense with Steve Nash
How They Played
Athletic power forward with explosive finishing and mid-range shooting
Lasting Impact
Dynamic power forward who revolutionized the center position with athleticism
Rookie of Year (2003)
Career Honours
- Rookie of Year (2003)
- All-Star 6x
- All-NBA Second Team 3x