Former New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire (1) AP FILE PHOTO
Former NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire recently accomplished what he couldn’t in the NBA: leading the Hapoel Jerusalem team to a championship in the Israeli Basketball League.
Although satisfied by his accomplishment, the 34-year-old former NBA Rookie of Year expressed an itch to one day return to the upper echelon of basketball leagues.
“To play and win a championship my first year there, I could just call it quits and leave as a champion,” he told the New York Post.
“That could be an option. Another option is maybe to play with a team that needs quality veteran leadership here in the NBA. That could be an option. Or I could go back and defend the title for a back-to-back. I have time to think about it. Those are my three options.”
Stoudemire announced his retirement from the NBA last year, after signing a one-day contract with the New York Knicks.
READ: Amare Stoudemire retires from NBA
When asked if he would consider returning to the Big Apple—where he spent five seasons from 2010 to 2015—“STAT” said he’s up for it.
“Sure, I haven’t spoken to them (Knicks) yet about it, but that definitely could be an option,” he said. “I have nothing but positive affirmations about the team and organization. That will be something I can think about.”
The 6-time NBA All-Star also weighed in on the recent struggles of the franchise and the drama surrounding his friend and former teammate Carmelo Anthony.
“I’ve followed New York, always pulling for the Knicks to have success. I’ve been hearing the stories (about Anthony),” he shared. “I’m always rooting for the Knicks and Carmelo as well to have success. Unfortunately it wasn’t the case this year. I do have positive energy toward the team, and soon they’ll start succeeding.”
Before multiple injuries and Father Time halted his once promising career, Stoudemire caused havoc alongside Steve Nash in Phoenix, and was heralded as one of the deadliest pick-and-roll duos in NBA history.
In an NBA career that spanned almost 14 years, Stoudemire averaged 18.9 points, 7.8 boards and 1.2 blocks. Khristian Ibarrola /ra