SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – Veteran forward/center Amar’e Stoudemire has committed to joining Western Conference contender Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, February 17, according to a report by sports network ESPN.
Stoudemire agreed on a contract buyout with the New York Knicks – the team he spent his last 5 seasons with – to join a team that is in the hunt for an NBA title in the 2014-2015 season.
With a 36-19 record, the Mavericks currently hold the 5th seed in the Western Conference while the New Yorks Knicks are in the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 10-43 slate as they have struggled to get anything going this season.
In Stoudemire’s statement released by the Knicks’ official website, he said, “Although I leave the Knicks with a heavy heart, I wish the organization the best of luck. Once a Knick always a Knick.”
“I feel truly blessed to have been able to play for the incredible New York fans, Mr. Dolan, my coaches, teammates and the entire Knicks organization for the past five years,” added the 6-foot-10 big man.
Knicks star Carmelo Anthony said he couldn’t believe the news of the buyout at first but told Sports Illustrated that, “I know what he wants, and you have to respect that. As an athlete, as a competitor you only want the best for your friends.”
The 32-year-old Stoudemire is expected to add much needed frontcourt depth to the Mavericks after the team dealt it’s high-energy big man Brandan Wright in the trade that netted them long-time Boston playmaker Rajon Rondo.
The Mavs have been looking for frontcourt help for a while now and was reported to be wooing veteran center Jermaine O’Neal. But the 18-year veteran posted on Instagram saying “the time is not right for me to play now.”
Averaging 12 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game this season, Stoudemire should be able to provide quality minutes for the Mavs as he fills in for either Dirk Nowitzki or former Knicks teammate Tyson Chandler.
Stoudemire has career averages of 20 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.