Former Phoenix Suns player Amar’e Stoudemire was honored by the team from Arizona as his number was retired.
The former NBA star began his career in the Arizona desert. He was drafted directly out of high school as the ninth pick in 2002. He had a fantastic tenure in Phoenix, forming a deadly pick-and-roll tandem with Steve Nash. In his rookie season, he was awarded the Rookie of the Year. Despite several close calls, Stoudemire never reached the NBA Finals with the Suns. Those Suns were pioneers of the “Seven Seconds or Less” offense.
The management decided to pay tribute to him by retiring his jersey number 32, and on that occasion, he delivered an emotional speech.
“When I was drafted here in Phoenix, my mission was to become the best player I could possibly be. A high school kid determined to become a top NBA player and also a champion, that was my goal. My heart was given to the city of Phoenix, as well as the entire state of Arizona. Thank you.”
Amar’e Stoudemire is not the only player that his jersey number was retired by the Suns. These players also are:
5-Dick Van Arsdale
6-Walter Davis
7-Kevin Johnson
9-Dan Majerle
13-Steve Nash
24-Tom Chambers
31-Shawn Marion
33-Alvan Adams
34-Charles Barkley
42-Connie Hawkins
44-Paul Westphal