After 14 NBA seasons, Amar’e Stoudemire announced that he will retire as a Knick after signing a one-day contract with the team.
Amar’e Stoudemire announced his retirement from the NBA after 14 seasons. Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Stoudemire decided to do so as a member of the New York Knicks.
Amar'e Stoudemire has signed a contract with the Knicks and announced that he'll retire, the club announced.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 26, 2016
Although Stoudemire only spent four full seasons in the Big Apple, and only one of them outstanding, his time there clearly meant a lot to him. He expressed as much in a press release from the team explaining his decision to retire with New York.
Amar’e Stoudemire announced his retirement as a player in the National Basketball Association today. #OAKAAK pic.twitter.com/GQyLRBFamV
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) July 26, 2016
Stoudemire restored the Knicks to relevancy back in 2010 after signing a five-year, $100 million contract.
He was excellent in his debut season in New York, averaging 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game, and registering his sixth and final All-Star appearance.
The Knicks had missed the playoffs in six consecutive seasons before Amar’e showed up and they made the postseason right away. He was their biggest free agency signing since Allan Houston in 1996.
Stoudemire played the first eight seasons and the best basketball of his career with the Phoenix Suns in Mike D’Antoni’s legendary Seven seconds or less offense. Stoudemire paired up with Steve Nash to form one of the most lethal combos in recent history.
In 14 seasons, Stoudemire averaged 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 offensive boards, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
