Amar’e Stoudemire’s No. 32 has officially been hung in the rafters at Footprint Center during halftime of tonight’s Suns vs. Rockets matchup.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“My heart has been given to Phoenix and the state of Arizona,” Stoudemire said of his number going into the Suns’ Ring of Honor.
Amar’e Stoudemire’s No. 32 forever enshrined in #Suns history in the team’s Ring of Honor pic.twitter.com/JarDqODjq0
— Burn City Suns Talk 🎙️ (@BurnCitySuns) March 3, 2024
Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia, former play-by-play announcer Tom Leander, former coach Alvin Gentry, two-time MVP Steve Nash and Stoudemire spoke during the ceremony.
Stoudemire is the 17th Sun to be inducted into the Ring of Honor, joining Alvan Adams (33), Charles Barkley (34), Tom Chambers (24), Walter Davis (6), Connie Hawkins (42), Kevin Johnson (7), Dan Majerle (9), Shawn Marion (32), Steve Nash (13), Dick Van Arsdale (5) and Paul Westphal (44).
“Suns fans, thank you for all the love and support,” Stoudemire said before tonight in a video posted by the Suns. “Since my 18-year-old rookie year all the way up to now, you guys supported me with much love. I want to give that little bak to you. Thank you.”
🗣️ Amar’e’s message to Suns fans: pic.twitter.com/vg20ztSjCQ
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 3, 2024
Stoudemire was one of the Suns’ best players in the first decade of the 2000s.
After being selected ninth overall out of high school 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).
High-flying dunks, clutch shots, defensive prowess, and more!
A look back at some of @Amareisreal's top plays ahead of his Ring of Honor induction tonight! pic.twitter.com/1cWaWsXaLK
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 2, 2024
Stoudemire 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). He was named All-NBA four times, including to the First Team in 2006-07 and was a five-time All-Star selection during his time with the Suns.
In honor of Amare Stoudemire joining the @Suns Ring of Honor tonight… take a look at some of his best plays with Phoenix! 🔥#NBAVault pic.twitter.com/H0ff5SlFDF
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 2, 2024
Stoudemire is best remembered for his high-flying, powerful dunks, as well as his ferocious defense and shot-blocking ability around the rim.
Now, he is forever enshrined in Suns’ history.
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