Not only will this upcoming season be one to look forward to for the current Suns’ team, past Suns, like Amar’e Stoudemire, will be honored throughout the year.
Two Suns will see their names etched into team history in this Ring of Honor this season.
Today, they revealed that Amar’e Stoudemire will be going into the Ring of Honor and have his jersey retired by the team on March 2 against the Rockets. Ironically, this date is his jersey number (3/2).
No. 32 to be retired on 3.2 ☄️
Join us for a special postgame ceremony as we officially induct Amar'e Stoudemire into the Suns Ring of Honor, for his unforgettable legacy in the Valley!
🎟️: https://t.co/dF2zxRuw1m pic.twitter.com/Qpjk6AR2GD
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 19, 2023
The two had been previously announced to be joining the reimagined Ring of Honor with unclear dates.
They will join Alvan Adams (33), Charles Barkley (34), Tom Chambers (24), Walter Davis (6), Connie Hawkins (42), Kevin Johnson (7), Dan Majerle (9), Steve Nash (13), Dick Van Arsdale (5) and Paul Westphal (44) in the Ring of Honor. Stoudemire will be the 17th Sun in the Ring of Honor.
What Did Amar’e Stoudemire Say about the Induction?
Stoudemire was one of the Suns’ best players in the first decade of the 2000s.
After being selected ninth overall in 2002, Stoudemire would go onto win Rookie of the Year for Phoenix. He shined with the Suns until he signed with Knicks as a free agent in 2010.
In 516 regular season games he played with the Suns, “S.T.A.T.” averaged 21.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He shot 54.4% from the floor during this time (2002-2010).
According to the team’s press release: “He ranks seventh in franchise history in points (11,035), fifth in scoring average (21.4), third in rebounds (4,613) and fifth in blocks (722) … Stoudemire was named All-NBA four times, including to the First Team in 2006-07, was a five-time All-Star selection and the 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year during his time with the Suns.”
Stoudemire is best remembered for his high-flying, powerful dunks, as well as his ferocious defense and shot-blocking ability around the rim.
Here’s what Stoudemire had to say to the fans:
"I can't wait to see you all."
Who is going to come see @Amareisreal get inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor on 3.2?!
🎟️: https://t.co/dF2zxRuw1m pic.twitter.com/8AvpqwLimY
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 19, 2023
“i can’t wait to see you all,” Stoudemire said. “All my Phoenix Suns fans, all my Arizona fans, March 2 for the big day. Can’t wait to see you.”
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Brendan Mau is a Phoenix Suns insider and college sports reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
