Fan Vote Results: The most popular Phoenix Sun of all time

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 01: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns applies chalk powder to his hands during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 01, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nets 121-111. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 01: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns applies chalk powder to his hands during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 01, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nets 121-111. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Amar’e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks and Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Amar’e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks and Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

5. Amar’e Stoudemire (5% of the vote)

Most certainly the biggest “what if” pick on this list comes in the form of Amar’e Stoudemire. A player who will be going into the Suns’ Ring of Honor this coming season, and who some think may even deserve to go into the Hall of Fame one day.

Whatever your thoughts on that, Stoudemire could have placed higher here if not for two factors. The first was, unfortunately, injury. If not for his knees, Stoudemire really could have gone down as one of the all-time great Suns. As it is he already ranks pretty highly on that list, which should tell you how good he was.

Related Story. Amar'e Stoudemire was a true one of one for Suns. light

As one of the major players in the “seven seconds or less” movement, Suns fans of a certain age have such fond memories of S.T.A.T. But just when it looked like he could really cement himself on the Mount Rushmore of Suns, Stoudemire decided to leave for the bright lights of New York City and the Knicks, where he would eventually team up with Carmelo Anthony.

He had already been a five-time All-Star by that point, and would make the midseason exhibition once more, in his first season with the Knicks. Stoudemire left when he was 28-years-old, but his injuries sadly only got worse from there on out. He was never the same player again, and finished out his career in Israel.

In hindsight it probably really helps his Suns legacy that he didn’t have major success with the Knicks, and was instead hobbled for much of his time after leaving The Valley. But had he stuck around, injuries or not, there is little doubt Stoudemire could have amassed a lot more than just five percent of the vote here.