Does Amar’e Stoudemire have what it takes?
2003 NBA Rookie of the Year, six time NBA All-Star, first-team All-NBA selection in 2007, four time all-NBA second-team selection and won a bronze medal with the United States Men’s national basketball team at the 2004 Olympic Games.
So in the summer of 2010 when Amar’e Stoudemire was a free agent and the Knicks offered him a max deal, it seemed like a no-brainer, right?
Fast forward four summers and the Knicks are now what seems to be “stuck” with a player who hasn’t made an all-star team since 2011, has not played in more than 70 games or started more than 50 games since 2011, and has seen his averages drop from 25.3 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game and 1.9 blocks per game in 2010-11, to 11.4 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game and 0.6 blocks per game in the 2013-14 season.
Amar’e’s production has dropped, hard and everyone has noticed, including Amar’e. He said the following recently on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike.”
“My goal next year is to have an All-Star-caliber year to get back in the All-Star Game, and then be a great team player for my teammates in addition to contending for a championship. My focus is at a high level right now, My body feels great, and I’m out to prove the doubters wrong.”
Amar’e needs to have alot of good things happen in order for his prediction to come true. Including recovering from many injuries he’s faced throughout his whole career. STAT (Standing Tall And Talented) has alot of work to do in order to get back to deserving his nickname that once suited him so well.
