Phoenix Suns Legend Amar’e Stoudemire Praised by Current Star

The Phoenix Suns have something else to celebrate at this time.  The organization saw a former great in Amar'e Stoudemire earn an induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday. Although there are no team designations in the basketball world, Stoudemire is most remembered for his time with the Suns, and this was reflected by current franchise player Devin Booker sending his congratulations in a short, but sweet video message. "You made an imprint on this game like no other." Booker also mentioned how Stoudemire is a player that he would have more than invited to be a teammate of. This is a testament to just how impactful the Florida native was in his seven seasons with the Suns. Stoudemire, 43, was drafted by the Suns out of high school with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The 6'10" forward/center made an immediate impression, winning NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003 before making a major leap forward as a player in year two, where he averaged over 20 points per night.  The 2004-05 season proved to be the real turning point. Stoudemire averaged 26.0 PPG in his first full season alongside league MVP Steve Nash - the duo largely transformed the way the game was played and can certainly be credited with leading the shift to the on-court product that is seen in present day. Stoudemire never quite reached the scoring heights he did in '04-05, but he did earn an All-NBA First Team selection in 2007 - bringing his total with Phoenix to four. He eventually departed from Phoenix in 2010, joining the New York Knicks after Suns ownership attempted to lowball him in contract negotiations. His first season as a Knick was incredibly successful - averaging 25.3 PPG in the process - but continued knee issues resulted in the Phoenix legend retiring at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. The two sides have since reconciled, making this moment much more special in lieu of Stoudemire joining the Phoenix Ring of Honor in March 2024. This shift sets the stage for franchise governor Mat Ishbia to buck the mistakes of the past in an effort to successfully recruit larger-than-life talents to Phoenix.  Only time will tell if the Suns will be able to finally secure an NBA title, but little doubt remains in the process that Stoudemire is an invaluable piece of the organization regardless.