Amar'e Stoudemire's basketball career is far from over even though he retired from the NBA. He will continue playing professional basketball with Israel's Hapoel Jerusalem, a team he partially owns.
Amar'e Stoudemire's Hapoel Jerusalem Signing Not A Surprise
On Sunday, international basketball reporter David Pick said Stoudemire will play for Hapoel Jerusalem in 2016-17. Basketball officials in Israel claimed that Stoudemire's transfer to Hapoel Jerusalem is "now a mere formality," ESPN.com reported from sources.
Stoudemire has visited Israel in recent years in an effort to reconnect with his Jewish religion and establish self-discovery. His mother's side of the family has Jewish roots.
Stoudemire hinted about moving his career to Israel during a 2014 interview with the New York Post. At the time, he said that he won't say no to an opportunity to play in Israel if he's still in good health.
This week, Stoudemire will visit Israel as part of an NBA Cares initiative organized by Sacramento Kings' Omri Casspi, the first Israeli basketball player to join the NBA. Stoudemire's ownership stake in Hapoel Jerusalem occurred in the summer of 2013 after Ori Allon, the founder of Orion Search Engine, gained ownership of the club.
Amar'e Stoudemire's Performance In Recent Years
Stoudemire, a power forward and center, has somewhat declined in his basketball performance in recent years, CBS Sports wrote. The 33-year-old's injuries back when he was still with the New York Knicks made him less of a forceful player, though his experience, knowledge, and 6-foot-10 size could still benefit Hapoel Jerusalem.
The club historically won the Israeli championship in 2015 against Hapoel Eliat, the Jerusalem Post noted. Hapoel Jerusalem will play in the EuroCup next season.
Stoudemire has an average of 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 846 games over 14 seasons with clubs Phoenix Suns, Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat, ESPN.com listed. The Suns congratulated Stoudemire on the next step of his career, saying that his eight seasons with the franchise were "some of the most exciting" basketball the club experienced.
Knicks General Manager Steve Mills only has praises for Stoudemire's six-year tenure at the club. Mills said Stoudemire was the face of the Knicks during those years because of his "excellence on the court" and his "dedication" to their community and fans.
Last week, Stoudemire signed a contract with the Knicks that was immediately waived so he can retire as a Knick. Stoudemire said that although his career took him to many places in the United States, his "heart had always remained in the Big Apple. Once a Knick, always a Knick," ESPN.com further reported.
