Amare Stoudemire News: Pro Sports Daily

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July 2

East Valley Tribune

columnist Scott Bordow

"To know Amaré Stoudemire is to understand that what comes out of his mouth shouldn't be taken seriously. The man is a walking, talking contradiction. Stoudemire is done; so are Suns He all but campaigned for the firing of coach Mike D'Antoni, then, feeling handcuffed by Terry Porter, longed for the offensive freedom D'Antoni gave him. He was ecstatic when the Suns traded for Shaquille O'Neal, saying the move would allow him to play power forward, his natural position. A few months later, he was complaining that there wasn't enough room in the lane for him to operate. And, of course, there are his constant proclamations about wanting to be "the guy" yet never wanting to be held accountable. ..."

Stoudemire waiting for decision

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June 29

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire's camp has not heard from any other NBA team about the possibility of acquiring him or any interest in securing his future with a contract extension. Stoudemire's agent, Charles Grantham, said he would like to hear a commitment from one team in particular - the Suns. "Either he's in or out," Grantham said Sunday while in Phoenix. "You're going to have to really make a commitment to him that he's part of your program going forward and that you're going to work around him. Those decisions seemingly are still up in the air. They are going to have to be made at some point. You'll have to talk about either committing to him or trading him. "Those discussions haven't happened ..."

Curry pick part of likely Amare deal

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June 25

Arizona Republic

"The Suns likely landed their man in Thursday night's draft before their pick ever came up. Golden State's selection of Davidson point guard Stephen Curry at No. 7 was likely made for the Suns as part of an Amaré Stoudemire trade that can't be completed until Wednesday. That is because Phoenix would be acquiring Warriors center Andris Biedrins, a base-year compensation player, as part of a Stoudemire deal that would include more Warriors players, possibly power forward Brandan Wright and/or shooting guard Marco Belinelli. The Suns were hoping they could land Curry or Arizona power forward Jordan Hill with the Warriors' seventh pick but had their choice after Minnesota took neither with its ..."

Jefferson staying put with Wolves

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June 18

Boston Globe

"An NBA source said today that Minnesota forward-center Al Jefferson is not being traded to the Suns with the sixth overall pick for Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire. An NBA executive told The Globe on Wednesday that both teams were discussing the trade. But another source said today that the Suns made the trade offer to the Wolves recently and were turned down. The source added that the Wolves new general manager David Kahn has even called Jefferson, an ex-Celtic, to tell him the trade would not happen. As for Stoudemire, the cost-cutting Suns definitely seem interesting in moving him and his hefty salary."

Jefferson on move again?

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June 18

Boston Globe

"An NBA executive told the Boston Globe today that the Minnesota Timberwolves is working a deal with the Phoenix Suns that would send former Celtics forward Al Jefferson and their sixth pick in next week's NBA Draft for All-Star Amare Stoudemire. The Suns, which have dangled Stoudemire for some time, fiound a suitor in Minnesota that is in transition. The team announced today that coach Kevin McHale has ended his 15-year association with the team. New basketball of operations David Kahn is looking to take the franchise into another direction."

Healing of Amaré's eye slow, steady

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May 22

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire is not jumping, jogging or biking. The most important functions for the Suns All-Star forward three months after eye surgery are resorbing and regenerating. After suffering a retina detachment that his surgeon believes has never happened to an athlete of his caliber, Stoudemire is enduring a healing process that moves in a stark contrast to how he has sped up and down the court for the Suns. From an October poke that tore his right iris to a February strike near the same eye, Stoudemire had suffered cumulative trauma that led to the Feb. 20 surgical discovery of relatively large tears on his right eye's retina. A thick fluid under the retina must be removed for Stoudemire ..."

Amaré rips Porter, Kerr talks future

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April 15

Arizona Republic

"The Suns won't be done with one of the NBA's winningest non-playoff seasons until Wednesday night's finale, but their business Tuesday had the feel of finality. The team gathered only to shoot the team photo, prompting an appearance by forward Amaré Stoudemire. Louis Amundson avenged a season of Shaquille O'Neal's bike thefts and barbs by filling O'Neal's van with pink Styrofoam popcorn. There was General Manager Steve Kerr discussing the team's future. Stoudemire hit rewind on the season by criticizing Terry Porter, the coach who was fired in February. Kerr put the scene on fast forward, clarifying that Steve Nash is part of the Suns' future but leaving the big men in question. ..."

Amaré on future: 'My plan is to be here'

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March 23

Arizona Republic

"The Suns' Amaré Stoudemire was a part of trade speculation a month ago and could be again in the summer, when he is eligible for a contract extension. He has a contract opt-out in 2010. "That's the most important thing, that my plan is to be here, but you never know how things will work out," he said."

Amaré to wear goggles 'from here on out'

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March 22

Arizona Republic

"For the first time since Alvin Gentry's debut as Suns coach returned joy to the locker room, Amaré Stoudemire walked back there an hour before Saturday's game. Wearing tortoise-trimmed Louis Vitton sunglasses for style and protection to his surgically repaired right eye, Stoudemire set off another party of player cheers and joined chants of the "Seven Nation Army" hymn the team brought back from Italy's soccer fans two seasons ago. Stoudemire's return was not symbolic of an imminent return. He merely has been permitted to attend games after living protectively following Feb. 20 surgery to repair a detached retina that put his eyesight in danger. "I can understand how a lot of the guys, ..."

Walsh: LeBron not only option

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March 17

New York Post

"Speaking candidly on a "Knicks on Demand" video for the team's Web site, Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he does not have all his eggs in LeBron James' basket and his decision to make trades to get under the salary cap in 2010 was a broader philosophical move. Speculation in recent weeks is King James isn't leaving Cleveland. "You always have a backup plan," Walsh said from his Westchester office on the videotape, in which he answers submitted questions from fans. "I really didn't know what the list of free agents were. "It wasn't like I was going after LeBron or this guy. It was just, we have to get in the free-agent market. The market in that year, I won't have to pick all the ..."

Surgeon: No playoffs for Amaré

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March 6

Arizona Republic

"The out-for-the-season diagnosis for forward Amaré Stoudemire initially left a sliver of hope that the Suns star could return for the playoffs should they qualify. Out means out. And "season" means, "See you next season." "Not this season, not at all," said Dr. Pravin Dugel, the Valley eye surgeon who operated on Stoudemire's detached retina two weeks ago. "The Suns have the same goal - to make sure he can resume his career. "It's very difficult to explain to anyone how serious this is. It's more serious than any knee or ankle surgery. The healing is excruciatingly slow and delicate." Stoudemire suffered multiple tears, new and old, and had a "very large" and "traumatic" retina detachment ..."

Amaré's eye could need more work

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February 21

Arizona Republic

"Valley retinal surgeon Dr. Pravin Dugel first saw Suns star Amaré Stoudemire on Thursday night on a referral from team ophthalmologist Jay Schwartz, who examined Stoudemire's right eye that afternoon. Dugel, with Retinal Consultants of Arizona, said Stoudemire's vision was disturbed as badly as 20/50 and he had blood in his eye. It was clear he had a "very large" retinal detachment on the nasal side. The ragged tears indicated they were caused by trauma. Stoudemire was struck near his eye Wednesday while fouling Al Thornton but that was not a sole cause. "I think it was an accumulation," said Dugel, who performed a similar surgery on the Coyotes' Landon Wilson in 2002 when a puck struck ..."

Amaré likely out for regular season

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February 20

Arizona Republic

"Suns All-Star power forward Amaré Stoudemire is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery this morning to repair a partially detached retina in his right eye. Stoudemire could return to physical activity in eight weeks but a team press release said that would “depend upon his healing process” and that his surgeon, Dr. Pravin Dugel of Spectra Eye Institute in Sun City, stressed that recoveries are on a case-by-case basis. The Suns' regular-season finale is eight weeks from today. This is the same eye that kept Stoudemire out during training camp when Boris Diaw poked it during a practice. At that time, Stoudemire suffered a partially torn iris with no damage ..."

Amaré wants to stay, has no ill feelings

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February 18

Arizona Republic

"It appears the Suns have made their big move - changing head coaches. Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said as much Monday in telling the media and his team that he "would like to keep what we have." But forward Amaré Stoudemire is "still not sure" despite his contention that he wants to remain with the Suns. "I hope so," said Stoudemire, whose family sat near Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver courtside seat Tuesday night. "I feel comfortable right now. "Calls are still coming in for sure. I don't think it's going to stop until the deadline is over. Teams are still inquiring about me, still want me. It's all about what the Phoenix Suns want to do." After two weeks of trade speculation, ..."

Bosh Rumor Gains Steam

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February 17

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Amare Stoudemire trade talk still has the Bulls among the teams most involved, but a new scenario making the rounds has the Bulls taking part in a three-team deal that would bring Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh to Chicago. The rumored swap would send Stoudemire to Toronto and land the Phoenix Suns a package of players and draft picks from the Bulls, likely to include Drew Gooden and his expiring $7.2 million contract, Tyrus Thomas and a first-round pick. Gar Forman, the Bulls' director of player personnel who's expected to become general manager once John Paxson gives up day-to-day duties, reportedly has taken the lead in the talks with the Suns. Other teams said to be interested in ..."

Kerr suggests Amaré won't be traded

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February 17

Arizona Republic

"The Suns felt like they got their team back Monday afternoon when they practiced for the first time under interim coach Alvin Gentry. With orders to return to a "breakneck pace," there were non-stop scrimmages with a five-second backcourt rule reinstalled. Talking and walking was gone. Running and gunning was in. The session marked the return of an unabashed desire to push the tempo, one that remained after the addition of center Shaquille O'Neal last season. In their final 20 games last season, the Suns averaged 112.5 points and were 15-5. Monday's coaching change - Gentry replaced first-year coach Terry Porter, who was fired Sunday night - was welcomed by the players, and they might ..."

Stoudemire positive despite trade talk

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February 16

Arizona Republic

"Any thought that the Western Conference All-Stars might conspire to help Amaré Stoudemire win the 2009 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award disappeared amid a torrent of Kobe Bryant shots in the opening minutes of the West's 146-119 victory over the East on Sunday night at US Airways Center. If there was a plan to feed Stoudemire, Bryant - who wound up with 27 points on 12-of-23 shooting - must have missed the memo. Still, Stoudemire gave a pretty good farewell to the arena should it end up being his final game representing the Suns, finishing with 19 points and six rebounds after being voted into the starting lineup by fans. "It was phenomenal," he said of the night. "I had a ..."

Cavs’ bid for Stoudemire falls flat

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February 14

Yahoo! Sports

"Believing that Amare Stoudemire could make the difference with winning an NBA title and ultimately keeping LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a bid to the Phoenix Suns for the All-Star power forward, two league sources familiar with the offer said Friday. Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry offered the expiring contract of Wally Szcerbiak, rookie J.J. Hickson and a first-round pick for Stoudemire earlier in the week, sources said. Anderson Varejao was mentioned in a possible scenario too, sources said. Nevertheless, the proposal has generated little enthusiasm out of Suns GM Steve Kerr. When asked about the Cavaliers’ interest in Stoudemire on Friday, Ferry texted to Yahoo! ..."

Amare Stoudemire expects to stay with Phoenix Suns

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February 14

Chicago Tribune

"Amare Stoudemire turned a corner at a downtown hotel Friday, saw about 50 reporters swarming a table reserved for him at NBA All-Star weekend and smiled. "What's going on at Stoudemire's table?" the four-time All-Star said. "Cocktails on me?" Actually, just another day of wild rumors and speculation regarding the 26-year-old forward's future. Some Bulls fans would buy drinks for management if it pulls off a trade for Stoudemire. And with Miami sending Shawn Marion and his $17.8 million expiring salary to Toronto on Friday, many believe the Bulls' chances to do so improved. Stoudemire isn't among them. "I do see the Suns keeping me," he said. "I'm leaning more toward 60-40, with 60 ..."

Stoudemire warms to courtship

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February 14

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Amare Stoudemire feels loved. Far from being a distraction, the trade rumors that have swirled around Stoudemire, the Phoenix Suns' All-Star forward, have reaffirmed his self-worth. Or at least this was the message he conveyed to reporters at the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday. "It's all good," he said of the rumors, which have included a potential deal to the Grizzlies. "I mean, why not? I got 20 teams, maybe even more, calling my agent every day about acquiring me. So it feels good to know that teams want me and actually appreciate my game." The Suns were said to have offered Stoudemire to the Grizzlies for Rudy Gay, Mike Conley and Hakim Warrick, but Grizzlies owner Michael ..."

Cavs a contender for Amare?

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February 14

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The rumor mill surrounding the NBA trade market exploded following the first major trade of deadline season with Shawn Marion moving from Miami to Toronto for Jermaine O'Neal. In its wake, several media outlets, including ESPN, hinted the Cavs have emerged as contenders for the Phoenix Suns' Amar'e Stoudemire. According to multiple league sources, the Cavs have indeed had talks with the Suns since Stoudemire became available and have discussed various packages that would work, including expiring contracts, draft picks, cash and young players, namely rookie J.J. Hickson. However, the Cavs still aren't sure they want to alter their chemistry and also believe there are other teams ..."

Agent: Amaré wants a say in trade

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February 13

Arizona Republic

"There is one indication that Suns trade talk involving forward Amaré Stoudemire has not advanced far: His agent has not heard from the Suns about any proposals. Former National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Charlie Grantham, Stoudemire's new agent this season, equates this portion of trade exploration as fantasy basketball, with the majority of the teams exploring the possibilities. When it gets to reality, Grantham said, he will want Stoudemire to have a say, because he will not want to go just anywhere. Grantham reiterated that Stoudemire prefers to stay in Phoenix and sign an extension, a topic he won't broach with Suns leaders until the off-season. "I feel he's a ..."

Grizzlies brass veto Stoudemire offer

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February 12

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley acknowledged his recent involvement in trade discussions regarding All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire and said he rejected the Phoenix Suns’ proposal. “We had conversations,” Heisley said Wednesday, confirming a Yahoo Sports report that Phoenix owner Robert Sarver initiated contact with Memphis. “But there is no deal on the table. I think they’ll go somewhere else.” Heisley didn’t discuss specifics about the talks, only saying that he spoke with Sarver twice and the Suns were firm in their requirements for dealing Stoudemire. Apparently, moving Stoudemire within the Western Conference isn’t a factor, and a player agent with reliable trade information ..."

Stoudemire rumors

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February 11

Bergen Record

"Amid the frenzy of rumors surfacing about the seeming inevitability of the Suns trading Amar'e Stoudemire by the Feb. 19 deadline, there's been little mention of the Knicks, considering that Mike D'Antoni and two of his assistants coached the athletic big man in Phoenix. There's little talk because a source familiar with the team's thinking says D'Antoni and Co. aren't exactly fond of Stoudemire, particularly his defense and overall focus. They're even less interested if getting him means surrendering David Lee - unless they also could shed either Eddy Curry's or Stephon Marbury's salary in a deal. One Internet report "suggested" a Lee-Marbury-Nate Robinson package for Stoudemire and ..."

Amaré says Suns are unified

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February 10

Arizona Republic

"Suns star Amaré Stoudemire said he takes pride in keeping spirits up in the locker room, even during some of their recent struggles. He said the team has stayed unified and has a good time together. So as trade talk has increased, some comments have rankled him. "I heard (ESPN analyst) Avery Johnson say one time that I was a bad locker-room guy or whatever," said Stoudemire, who also named ESPN analyst Tim Legler. "That's total BS. We get along so well outside the locker room. We hang out with each other probably more than any team in the league as far as camaraderie, as far everyone hanging out together. We try to enjoy ourselves." Stoudemire talked with admiration about how San Antonio ..."

Suitors aplenty for Amare

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February 10

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bulls are far from the only team talking to the Phoenix Suns about a deal for Amare Stoudemire. The Golden State Warriors haven't hidden their interest, and the New Jersey Nets admitted their talks with the Suns were unproductive. Bulls general manager John Paxson declined to comment on Stoudemire. But a source shot down one report that the Bulls and Miami Heat were the front-runners to land Stoudemire, saying the two teams that have offered the most for the All-Star forward have yet to be publicly identified. According to Miami media, the Heat has been trying to get Suns president Steve Kerr to take back Shawn Marion, who went to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal last February. The Heat also ..."

Cash concerns crunch Amare

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February 10

Toronto Sun

"A franchise building block who excels on basketball's block, Amare Stoudemire has heard his name mentioned in rumoured deals involving as many as seven teams. At last count, anyway. Whether he gets moved prior to next Thursday's NBA trade deadline is a question that likely won't get answered until 3 p.m. strikes on Feb. 19. The bottom line behind the mounting Stoudemire speculation literally is the bottom line. He knows it as do the many teams that covet the enigmatic Phoenix Suns power forward, whose mental makeup never has matched his physical prowess. "I think it's all about what they want to do and what they're trying to do financially," Stoudemire said about the Suns' intentions. ..."

Warriors not likely to land big man

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February 10

San Francisco Chronicle

"It's one thing to covet All-Star power forwards Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh. It's quite another to land them in a deal, as Golden State is discovering. Though multiple league sources said that the Warriors indeed have inquired about both players, it doesn't appear that their search for a big-time big man will be over anytime soon. Two sources said that, as of Monday, no serious talks or trade proposals had been exchanged between Golden State and the Suns or Raptors, and one source added that it appears likely the Warriors will not make a move before the Feb. 19 trade deadline. What's the official company line? "We're doing our business," said assistant general manager Larry Riley, ..."

The addition of Stoudemire could brighten the Cavaliers' future

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February 9

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Several things were clear about the Cleveland Cavaliers' first home loss on Sunday. The Lakers' defense forced the Cavs to take jump shots (which the Cavs missed); and the Cavs did not have a defensive answer for the Lamar Odom inside the paint. Something else was also made clear: If the Cavs want to improve their chances of winning a championship, they will have to acquire a player who can score and defend inside. That player will be in uniform at The Q on Wednesday night ---- Suns forward Amare Stoudemire. Clearly, the Cavs have had trouble defending or scoring down low. Presently, the Cavs don't have any consistent low-post scorers. There's no one who can consistently score on the ..."

Nets, Suns talk

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February 9

Bergen Record

"The Nets have had exploratory talks with the Suns about Amare Stoudemire, but have not made a formal offer for the All-Star power forward, league sources said. Phoenix is talking to many teams about Stoudemire, who can opt out and become a free agent in 2010. The Nets are expected to be in the Stoudemire sweepstakes because they have young players on short deals, expiring contracts and draft picks - all the things the Suns want. The Nets likely would consider dealing everyone beside Devin Harris and Brook Lopez for Stoudemire. But there are risks. The Nets would have to know Stoudemire's surgically repaired knees are healthy and he would re-sign with them, before doing a trade, especially ..."

Amare Stoudemire hears, not fazed by trade rumors

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February 9

Detroit Free Press

"With a Feb. 19 trade deadline approaching, Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire has been at the center of the rumor mill. Stoudemire told the Associated Press before Sunday's game that he's used to it. "It's part of the job," he said. "Some years you have to deal with trade rumors and some years you don't." Talk heated up and then cooled about Stoudemire joining the Pistons in a possible deal for Rasheed Wallace. Stoudemire did not address rumors about joining the Pistons. "I try not to focus on anything but the game, but I hear all the scenarios," Stoudemire said. "It's nice to see that good teams are interested in you.""

Stoudemire pledges to elevate game

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February 8

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire has a carrot for any team seeking him in a trade or one for the Suns to keep him. He pledges that another level of his play is coming. The Suns could use that from Stoudemire and his teammates as they preface the All-Star break with a three-game trip that starts Sunday in Detroit, continues Monday in Philadelphia and ends Wednesday at Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are undefeated. "If we have a solid trip, that would be great momentum going into the second half of the season," Stoudemire said. "Every season since my rookie, after All-Star break, my game goes up a notch because we're closer to the playoffs and buckling down and focusing in. "That's how it was last year ..."

Chicago Bulls have the pieces needed to acquire the Suns' Amare Stoudemire

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February 8

Chicago Tribune

"The Bulls are among a handful of teams that have engaged in trade discussions with the Suns for four-time All-Star Amare Stoudemire, according to league sources. It's unknown what specific proposals, if any, the Bulls have presented and one league executive stressed it's too early in the process to declare any team the front-runner for the big man's services. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 19. It's also unclear if the Bulls are convinced Stoudemire is a good fit, given he owns an opt-out clause after the 2009-10 season and almost certainly will be demanding a maximum contract that would run six seasons and rise from about $20 million annually. Stoudemire, 26, also is perceived as an ..."

Bordow: It's time to trade Amaré

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February 7

East Valley Tribune

columnist Scott Bordow

"If he wanted, Amaré Stoudemire could be one of the five best players in the NBA. His talent is that precious, his athletic gifts that bountiful. Jerry Colangelo was so wowed by Stoudemire's potential in a 2002 pre-draft workout that after 15 minutes he turned to the other team executives and said, "This is our guy." For a few years, at least, Stoudemire seemed to be growing into his role as a franchise player. But somewhere along the line, he quit progressing. His game stagnated. He changed management teams more often than he pulled down offensive rebounds. No longer is Stoudemire, 26, a beast for the Suns. He has become a burden, both on the court and in the locker room. And now, with the ..."

An unfamiliar role awaits Stoudemire

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January 23

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire is not only a starting All-Star for the first time. He's a small forward for a change, too. Voted in by fans as the second forward along with Tim Duncan of the Spurs, the Western Conference's top vote-getter at the position, Stoudemire will open the Feb. 15 All-Star Game on his home court in Phoenix in an unfamiliar place - the wing. "I need to bring my trainer back into town and get to work on my handles," said Stoudemire, the first Suns' All-Star starter since Steve Nash in 2006. "Take LeBron (James) off the wing and to the rack. We've got to get that win for the West." Stoudemire joins Duncan, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and ..."

Stoudemire issues mount for Suns

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January 21

Arizona Republic

"After the Suns' worst loss of the season, the fingers can point just about anywhere, but much of the fans' wrath starts with reason No. 1, as in the franchise player's number. Amaré Stoudemire scored three points Monday at Boston. It was his career's worst scoring game in which he played at least 30 minutes. It also was his most precipitous game-to-game dropoff, after scoring 31 on Sunday. The frustrations with Stoudemire are not solely about offense, although Sunday's 30-point game was only his third of the season. He had 21 30-point games last season under Mike D'Antoni, whose Knicks host the Suns today, and 13 of the 21 came after Shaquille O'Neal was acquired in February. There are ..."

Amaré 'to get gorilla game on'

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January 19

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire slammed on the Toronto Raptors five times, laid in others and drained the last four jumpers he took Sunday. Stoudemire wanted to be feared again. His 31 points a 117-113 Suns win at Toronto is a good start. It was his highest scoring game since he scored 49 at Indiana on Nov. 5. "I'm about to get my gorilla game on," Stoudemire said. "It's more striking fear in an opponent's heart, trying to dominate." He looked like The Gorilla coming off the trampoline in the fourth quarter as he and Steve Nash reconnected in a familiar pick-and-roll game. "It's not going to change," Stoudemire said. "Nash and Stat is a heck of a one-two punch. "The way we played is just a stepping ..."

I'm not feared anymore

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January 16

Arizona Republic

"In a game that Shaquille O'Neal did not play, five Suns players took more shots than Amaré Stoudemire. In a nip-and-tuck game that went to overtime before Phoenix lost 119-113 to Denver, Stoudemire took one shot after the 7:18 mark of the third quarter. He brought on some of that by his foul trouble, which saw him draw three in the first half and two more in the third quarter. Some came by his mistakes, like two consecutive third-quarter turnovers, or passivity. But his only overtime opportunity when the game was still competitive came on his offensive rebound, after which he drew a foul for two free throws. "We're still trying to figure it out," Stoudemire said. "It's going to take a ..."

Stoudemire plays Santa to youngsters

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December 23

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire played Santa to a group of youngsters from the Boys"

Will greed chase Amaré from Suns, like Marion, Bell?

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December 14

East Valley Tribune

columnist Scott Bordow

"Let me first say that I like Shawn Marion and Raja Bell. They were a pleasure to deal with in the locker room - although Marion did verbally accost me during the playoffs one year - and immensely fun to watch on the court. Marion on his pogo stick, jumping, once, twice, three times before another player could get off the ground. Bell throwing elbows and forearms and getting into Kobe Bryant's face, refusing to back down even an inch. The Suns wouldn't have been nearly as successful during the Mike D'Antoni years without their hustle and grit. Yet for the life of me, I cannot understand why both players essentially forced their way out of Phoenix. It's come to light that an unhappy Bell ..."

Stoudemire voices displeasure with system

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November 29

Arizona Republic

"It is not just perimeter players who are struggling to embrace the Suns' new offense. After Friday's loss to Miami, Suns power forward Amaré Stoudemire expressed unhappiness with his role that he also shared in a Nov. 20 espn.com interview published Friday. Asked after the game if the offense puts him in the right spots, Stoudemire said, "Sorta, kinda. Consistency for me would be great. That way, I know what to look forward to and how to attack. That way, when I do get it, I'm not off-balance or surprised I have it." Asked if this system can provide him the chances he wants, he said, "I really don't know. I know I put in a lot of hard work this off-season to really take that next step, to ..."

Amaré shows full arsenal vs. Indy

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November 7

Arizona Republic

"Even the most complete game of Amaré Stoudemire's NBA career was not perfect. Stoudemire made two passing choices Wednesday in Indianapolis that could be second-guessed. Attempting to toss his jersey to a courtside fan after the win, Stoudemire had his pass intercepted by an inebriated Pacers fan who fruitlessly heckled him during the game. Stoudemire's 49 points already had given his team the shirt off his back. "He left everything out there," Suns coach Terry Porter said of a stat line that included 17-of-21 field-goal shooting, 15-of-15 free-throw shooting, 11 rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks. For those reasons and being on the road, Stoudemire outdid his 50-point ..."

Amazing night for Amaré in Indy

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November 6

East Valley Tribune

"The official scorer was the only one who could stop Amaré Stoudemire from a career-high scoring night Wednesday. But no one could stop him from having a night to remember, as he gave the NBA a peek at just how good he can be as he works toward filling in his all-around game. On a night when Matt Barnes had to leave the team, Shaquille O'Neal played when he thought he wouldn't and the rest of the Suns were dragging in their second game in as many nights, Stoudemire put them on his back with 49 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals. And when his teammates finally supported him with some second-half defense and held the Pacers to 37 points, it was enough for a 113-103 victory at ..."

No answer for Stoudemire

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November 6

Indianapolis Star

columnist Mike Wells

"Defense? Yeah, right. You would have thought the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns were playing a pick-up game for two quarters. Both teams raced up and down the court for layups, dunks and 3-pointers at a frantic pace through the first 24 minutes, combining to score 125 points. Then, in the blink of a turnover or an easy Phoenix basket, the Pacers got out of their offensive flow and took a lot of contested shots in the third quarter. As the Pacers began to struggle, Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire continued his personal dunk-fest on the way to scoring 49 points in Phoenix's 113-103 victory at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday night. "We had no answer for him," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien ..."

Shaq, Amare Hard To D-Fine

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November 4

New York Post

"Yi Jianlian, the Nets' slender, 7-foot forward, has the best idea of what to use tonight against Phoenix' Amare Stoudemire. "Something illegal," Yi offered. Even that might not work. Stoudemire, in two games last season against the Nets and two more against Yi and the Bucks shot .745 (41-of-55) and averaged 27.5 points and 11.0 rebounds. And if that's not enough, there's also Shaquille O'Neal, all lovable 7-1 and 325 (listed) pounds of him, to worry about. "That's a tough front line," Net center Josh Boone said about the Nets' assignment for their second home game. "Shaq is a completely different matchup than pretty much anybody else in the league. He takes up so much space, demands so ..."

Stoudemire is happy, excited to be healthy

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October 28

Arizona Republic

"Amaré Stoudemire might not have an Olympic gold medal, but he has a nice Beijing T-shirt and a fresh body. Well, other than the eyeball that Boris "Le Claw" Diaw tried to gouge out and the pinkie finger that popped out of joint in the Suns' final preseason game. But even with those nicks, Stoudemire hasn't been this healthy to begin a season since his third year in the NBA, and that was his hope when he decided to pull himself from consideration to play for USA Basketball at the Beijing Olympics. "I feel great, man. Great," Stoudemire said after the final preseason tune-up as he chomped on chicken wings with the dislocated pinkie wrapped and extended. "That was one of the toughest ..."

Amaré back on court - with goggles

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October 14

East Valley Tribune

"Other than dealing with sweat and perspiration, Amaré Stoudemire was pleased with his first contact practice sporting new goggles on Monday. "It was a good first step," the Suns forward said. "It will take awhile to get comfortable with them. They do get blurry a lot and you have to keep wiping them off. But it's nice knowing my eyes are protected now." Stoudemire, who is expected to sit out the next two games and return to the lineup Monday against Charlotte, didn't show any trepidation in his first practice since taking a finger to the eye from teammate Boris Diaw on Oct. 1. He was aggressive on both ends and finished several plays inside. "I felt good. I felt strong. I just need to get ..."

Barbosa, Amaré back in practice

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October 14

Arizona Republic

"Suns guard Leandro Barbosa spent the past two weeks emotionally drained while he essentially lived at his mother's side in a Sao Paulo, Brazil, hospital. After he saw her health improve, Barbosa physically drained himself to be by his teammates' sides Monday: He took a 13-hour flight to land in Phoenix at 10 a.m., an hour before surprising the Suns by joining a two-hour practice. Suns General Manager Steve Kerr sent Barbosa a text message to check in with him Monday morning, only to find his sixth man in the locker room minutes later. "Everything's going to be OK at home and also here," Barbosa said after practice. "I was there, but my mind was here. I was really worrying about ..."

Stoudemire adjusting to goggles

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October 8

Arizona Republic

"During timeouts in Wednesday night's Suns preseason opener at US Airways Center, fans can check out the SunsVision entertainment on the big screen or opt for AmaréVision. That is what Amaré Stoudemire is dubbing his new look, as he took to the court for some light duty Tuesday after trading in his Louis Vuitton sunglasses for Oakley protective eyewear. "The eye is still red, still sore but it's getting better," he said. "My vision is slowly coming back." Stoudemire is cleared to begin exercising in full Wednesday, when he will participate in a shootaround, work out with coaches and study film. Stoudemire could miss at least half of the eight-game preseason as he tries to work into shape. ..."

Suns' Stoudemire out 5 to 10 days

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October 4

Arizona Republic

"Amare Stoudemire has just begun his college education at Arizona State but you can understand his growing uneasiness with the University of Arizona. Stoudemire has missed the past three Suns scrimmages at UA for health issues with the latest being a torn right iris that will keep him out of some preseason games. Stoudemire, wearing sunglasses due to eye sensitivity, said Friday that he can't exercise for five to 10 days. After that, he will need days of conditioning to make playing in a game a consideration. When he does return, he said he will probably wear goggles for the rest of his career. "I can't catch a break," Stoudemire said. "I can't get my heart rate up because my blood ..."