Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-5 rookies in Phoenix Suns history

By Steve Miner

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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#3 – Amar’e Stoudemire

PHOENIX – APRIL 25: Portrait of Amare Stoudemire #32 of the Phoenix Suns with the 2003 Got Milk? Rookie of the Year trophy on April 25, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX – APRIL 25: Portrait of Amare Stoudemire #32 of the Phoenix Suns with the 2003 Got Milk? Rookie of the Year trophy on April 25, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Amar’e is certainly one of the most talented and exciting players to ever wear a Suns jersey. Despite frustrating fans at times, like when he decided to retire as a Knick instead of a Sun, fans have still always loved him.

Many things contributed to this, including a mix of immense talent, explosive athleticism, and a big personality. He was also the perfect partner for Steve Nash in Mike D’Antoni’s “Seven Seconds or Less” system.

The Suns drafted Amar’e with the 9th pick after he decided, fortunately, not to attend the University of Memphis. Yao Ming was the rookie receiving most of the hype that year, while everyone expected the raw Stoudemire to require seasoning before making a real impact. That wasn’t the case, though. Amar’e worked his way into the starting lineup within the first month of the season. During December of that year, he started every game and averaged almost 16 points and 10 rebounds, all while shooting 54% from the floor.

Amar’e would continue to have a strong season the rest of the way, leading the Suns, along with Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion, back to the playoffs. Phoenix didn’t have much of a chance to beat the number one seed Spurs that year, but they did steal game one thanks in large part to Stoudemire. He put up 24 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks along with hitting a three to send the game into overtime.

After outshining Yao Ming that year (the Suns beating out the Rockets for the final seed in the playoffs by one game didn’t hurt either), Amar’e earned the Rookie of the Year award. He became the first player out of high school to win the award, and the third in Phoenix Suns history.

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