Former Phoenix Suns NBA Draft pick and Amar'e Stoudemire announced his retirement Tuesday, making the decision to do so as a member of the New York Knicks.
Stoudemire re-signed with the Knicks for the sole purpose of being able to retire as a member of that team, rather than the team that selected him ninth overall in 2002 and with whom he had five of his six All-Star appearances.
"I came to New York in 2010 to help revitalize this franchise and we did just that," Stoudemire wrote. "Although my career has taken me to other places around the country, my heart had always remained in the Big Apple. Once a Knick, always a Knick."
Stoudemire was the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year and is among the top 10 Suns of all-time in total games played, points, rebounds and blocks. He signed with the Knicks in 2010 after opting out of his contract in Phoenix. He played for the Dallas Mavericks last season.
"The Phoenix Suns family congratulates Amar'e Stoudemire on a remarkable NBA career," the Suns said in a statement, adding he "provided some of the most exciting Suns basketball this city has ever seen."
"We're proud to have called Amar'e one of our own and wish him nothing but the best in retirement. Congrats, STAT!" the statement concluded.
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
