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Bob Ley recites Amare Stoudemire’s New York farewell (video)

By Ethan Finkelstein

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ESPN’s Bob Ley read a farewell written by Amare Stoudemire regarding his time in the city of New York.

Amare Stoudemire’s tenure in New York City is over. On Sunday night, the 32-year-old NBA veteran power forward elected to go through with a team buyout that will see him play for another franchise for the first time in five years.

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Should clear waivers on Wednesday, Stoudemire will likely sign with the Dallas Mavericks, whom he has already committed to per recent reports. On Tuesday, ESPN reporter, and “Outside the Lines” host, Bob Ley read a farewell address written by Stoudemire to the city of New York.

During his time with the New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire was a topic of contention among fans, and reporters alike.

While his personal demeanor, both on and off the court, has been cited as excellent, nagging knee injuries and inconsistency have hampered his play, and his inability to mesh with fellow superstar Carmelo Anthony had fans questioning if the Knicks could really make a serious run at an NBA title.

Despite playoff appearances in his first three seasons in the “Big Apple,” Stoudemire and company found themselves winners of just one postseason series. They missed the playoffs altogether last year, and this season has proven to be one of the worst in the history of the franchise.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of things to admire about “S.T.A.T’s” time in the iconic blue and orange.

Way back in the Summer of 2010, four marquee free agents hit the market; LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Amare Stoudemire. When the first three of the bunch aligned in Miami, Stoudemire decided to take his talents to New York. To him, the challenge of restoring the Knicks to their former glory was an opportunity he could not pass up.

Also admirable was the start he had to his time in NYC. He finished his first season with averages of 25.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. In December of that season, Stoudemire emerged as an early MVP candidate for the resurgent Knicks, while averaging 29.8 points per game for the month.

Even as his days with the team came to an end, S.T.A.T was still a key player off of the bench. His 19.7 player efficiency rating this season will undoubtedly add support behind Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler. Primarily coming off of the bench, Stoudemire is still averaging 12 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

From his well-spoken nature, to the strange, yet intriguing red wine baths, New York will miss Stoudemire. The ode is a touching final gift, from a player whose time in a bleak situation should not be taken for granted.

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