Amar’e Stoudemire Eyeing NBA Comeback

Amar’e Stoudemire signed a one day contract with the New York Knicks in 2016, as he seemingly rode off into the sunset after enjoying an impressive NBA career. However, if you ask Stoudemire, he’ll tell you that the sun remains firmly in the sky, rather than drooping down beyond the horizon, as he fully intends to rejoin the NBA next year.

Stoudemire last played basketball for an Israeli league three years ago after a 14 year NBA tenure. Stoudemire played his best years alongside Steve Nash with the Phoenix Suns where he averaged over 20 points per game for six seasons, including a 26 point, 8.9 rebound, and 1.6 block per–game campaign during the 2004–05 season. While Stoudemire’s numbers never fail to impress, they only appear visible when looking deep into the rear view mirror, as one must rewind over a decade to catch Stoudemire’s during his best playing days.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Stoudemire remains optimistic and committed to a successful comeback. Stoudemire claims that a diet change and his alternative workout methods gives him a chance to compete at a high level once more. Stoudemire stated, “For me I got down to 235 [pounds], which is my lowest weight I’ve ever played at. I got as strong as I could possibly be. I worked on physical therapy and my physical training to the point where I took every exercise very seriously and critiqued every single workout and exercise, so my body as a result has been feeling great.”

The six time All–Star illustrated his potential to contribute as a veteran presence and leader for any team as he also stated, “A lot of the teams have a lot of young players and a lot of players that can learn how to train, how to become professionals and how to become great basketball players. And leadership goes a long way with teams in order to get from a playoff team to a contending championship team.” NBA executives apparently share Stoudemire’s beliefs, as 15 teams worked him out recently looking to potentially sign the forward.

Joining Stoudemire, the 33–year old Monta Ellis eyes an NBA comeback as well. Ellis last played for the Pacers in 2017, but failed to sign with another team after Indiana waived him. Ellis averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 assists per–game during his last NBA season. 12 teams worked out Ellis last week including the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Washington Wizards.

Although an NBA comeback stands as an intimidating and tough task which many embark on but few accomplish, both Stoudemire and Ellis appear fully committed to prove themselves capable once more.

Article by Collin Helwig