Still a pup in the game of life at age 26, Amar’e Stoudemire wears his NBA experience on his face. A bushy beard. A reflective tone. An understanding that these may be his final days in Phoenix.
The Suns have tried to trade him in the past. He is toying with the idea of opting out of the final year of his contract (worth more than $17 million) and becoming an unrestricted free agent, joining what is turning into the legendary class of 2010.
Many players his age would be thrilled about the possibility of free agency. Stoudemire is cautious. He is in his eighth year, has undergone career-altering microfracture surgery, another major operation to repair a detached retina, and experienced a myriad of personal growth.
On the right side of his neck is a tattoo that says “Black Jesus.’’ Like Stoudemire, the marking is deceiving. He said he has not anointed himself the Second Coming, or Earl Monroe. He is making a statement.
“That is just kind of reflecting on His skin color,’’ said Stoudemire before the Suns’ 110-103 upset of the Celtics at TD Garden last night. “A lot of folks may not want to believe that but it’s true, so I just kind of got it tattooed on my neck. A lot of folks probably won’t say too much about it. They might look at it and have their own thoughts inside but they won’t speak on it.’’
Although Steve Nash is synonymous with Phoenix basketball, it’s Stoudemire who is the longest-tenured Sun.
The steal of the 2002 draft, taken after washouts such as Jay Williams, Dajuan Wagner, and Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Stoudemire is a force in the paint despite being about 6 feet 7 inches (he’s generously listed at 6-10). He is a career 75 percent free throw shooter, averaging nearly nine rebounds and 21 points per game.
Stoudemire blended in perfectly last night. He scored 22 points with seven rebounds and had a key block of a Rajon Rondo layup in the fourth quarter.
His biggest criticism has been a lack of interest in defense, which could be the case for all the Suns over the years. Under former coach Mike D’Antoni, the Suns were more content to allow opponents to score so they could counter with a fast break.
Coach Alvin Gentry has attempted to emphasize defense while stressing a faster game with more athletic players to create matchup problems. Replacing mammoth Shaquille O’Neal at center is former Knick and Trail Blazer Channing Frye, a three-man in a 7-footer’s body. He can stretch the floor because of his perimeter shooting ability, which allows more room for Stoudemire to work.
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