GLENDALE – Phoenix Suns legend Amar’e Stoudemire is heading to Springfield, as he is a part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The news was announced by ESPN’s Shams Charania Tuesday morning, just weeks after Stoudemire was named a North American finalist for a possible induction. The 43-year-old becomes the 14th Suns player to be named a Hall of Famer, and the first one since Steve Nash and Grant Hill.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony will be held on August 14th to the 15th, where Stoudemire will have his faced forever honored amongst other NBA legends.
May 29, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire (1) during the third quarter in game six of the western conference finals in the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Stoudemire is a Hall of Famer:
The six-time All-Star was drafted ninth overall in the 2002 NBA draft and made an immediate impact. He turned a lottery team into a playoff squad in his first year, earning rookie of the year honors. By Year 3, Stoudemire and running partner Nash had become of the most dynamic duos in the NBA and led the team to its first 60+ win season in over a decade.
May 25, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) and Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire (1) battle for positioning during the second quarter in game four of the western conference finals in the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Stoudemire brought the franchise to three conference finals appearance, losing to the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers respectively. Following the 2010 Playoff loss to Los Angeles, Stoudemire left Phoenix due to contract disagreements. He finished his time with the Suns averaging 21.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. The five-time All-NBA member was one of the most dominant players in the league with his 6’10 frame and power.
After joining the New York Knicks in the 2010 offseason, Stoudemire would have one more elite season before injuries derailed the final five years of his NBA career. After starting 78 games in the 2010-2011 season, Stoudemire would only start 119 more games in the final five seasons, before retiring in 2016.
Mar 2, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Former Phoenix Suns player Amar’e Stoudemire speaks to the crowd during his Ring of Honor ceremony during the game against the Houston Rockets at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
As time pass, Stoudemire’s grudge against the Suns subsided, with the franchise inducting him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2024. The two sides have made up, making Tuesday’s announcement a cheerful one for Stoudemire and Suns fans across the Valley.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
