Amar’e Stoudemire retired from basketball

2017-09-01T19:14:17+00:00 2017-09-01T19:19:39+00:00.

Aris Barkas

01/Sep/17 19:14

Eurohoops.net

Former NBA All Star Amar’e Stoudemire, who led Hapoel Jerusalem to the Israeli championship, announced that he would not return to play another season.

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

“Although I would have liked to return for another season, the team, coach and I could not find a role that I felt would allow me to meaningfully contribute in the way I have always been accustomed to play,” Stoudemire wrote in a farewell note on Instagram.

Stouremire retired from the NBA last summer to move to Jerusalem and join the team. It was a professional move for Stoudemire, but also a spiritual one. Stoudemire calls himself a Hebrew Israelite and views Israel as a sacred land that is his ancestral homeland. He is also part owner of Hapoel Jerusalem.

An Olympic bronze medal winner in 2004, he was also a six times NBA All-Star, the NBA rookie of the year in 2003 and he has played for the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, the Dallas MAvericks and the Miami Heat.

Thank you @_winner_league @thejerusalem_post @sport_5 @jerusalembasket "When I decided last summer to retire from the NBA and join Hapoel Jerusalem, my intentions were to help this team, from this holy city win my first championship with the team and the second championship in franchise history. I am extremely proud that not only did we meet that goal, but that this achievement, capped arguably the best season this team has ever had. Reaching all three local finals, of which we won two, along with a eurocup semifinals appearance, personally winning the All Star Game MVP Award ? and coming to within one game of the finals, made it a truly remarkable season. I am extremely proud that not only did we meet that goal, but that this achievement, capped arguably the best season this team has ever had. It has been a great ride for myself and my family. We enjoyed the city, it's people, the holy places ? and of course Hapoel fans?. Although I would have liked to return for another season, the team, coach and I could not find a role that I felt would allow me to meaningfully contribute in the way I have always been accustomed to play I feel it is my time now, to return to the shareholder's position and help make this team even better. I would like to thank Hapoel Jerusalem president. Ori Allon, and the entire Hapoel Jerusalem organization for giving me the opportunity to retire as a champion ?and doing it in the holiest of cities made even more special. I wish my teammates, friends and fans another great season. Yalla Hapoel!!" #kingdombusiness #shabbtshalom

Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη (əˈ•mär•ray) Amar'e Stoudemire (@amareisreal) στις

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