By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Powerful dunks and absolute focus extending to both ends of the court were slowed down by injuries. Still, Amar’e Stoudemire enjoyed a great career, celebrated by the Phoenix Suns in Footprint Center on Saturday.
Jersey number 32 was officially hung in the rafters during the halftime break of the meeting between the Suns and visiting Houston Rockets, confirming the announced plan. Turkish Alperen Sengun and his teammates stunned the team coached by Frank Vogel on NBA Saturdays, but Stoudemire stole the show during the jersey retirement ceremony.
“I was focused enough to say no and also to follow my path, which led me to the NBA,” he opened up on overcoming challenges on the way to the league.
Stoudemire, 41, was selected with the ninth overall pick of the 2002 NBA draft by the Suns. He stayed until 2010, before moving on to the New York Knicks for the next five years. Later stages of his career included playing for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.
“When I was drafted here in Phoenix, my mission was to be the best player that I could possibly be. A kid out of high school that was determined to be a top NBA player and also to be a winner was my objective,” he started the Ring of Honor speech.
Thanking God, the organization, family, fans, and teammates, a special nod was delivered to former teammates Steve Nash and Shawn Marion, present to celebrate his career.
“My heart has been given to Phoenix and the state of Arizona,” concluded Stoudemire.
Amar’e Stoudemire Ring of Honor speech
Photo Credit: Getty Images