The 10 Greatest Suns in history, ranked by Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
By Luke Duffy
2. Amar'e Stoudemire - 22.6
It seems crazy to even have to point this out, but Amar'e Stoudemire was an outrageously talented basketball player. If we're going by that pure talent alone - combined with what his apex was like when with the organization - then this is exactly where he should land on this list.
Much like Marion, can you imagine how good "S.T.A.T." would be if he was in the league today? Listed generally as a power forward, Stoudemire sometimes played center as well. In 2024 though, his insane athletic ability combined with his speed and strength would have made him a nightmare three to match up against.
3/11/08 – Amare Stoudemire had 21p/10r & PHX led 72-41 at half (leading 20-1 in fastbreak points) as the Phoenix #Suns blew out the Memphis Grizzlies 132-111. PHX scored 41p and 37p in the 1Q and 3Q. STAT finished w/29p/13r. Bell: 20p/3a. Barbosa/Giricek: 18p each. #ComingInHot pic.twitter.com/ncAAXIdEA8
— Arizona Sports History (@AZSportsHistory) March 12, 2024
It's hard to even think of a modern day comparison for the big guy - who took home Rookie of the Year honors in 2002-03 - and was an All-Star six of his first nine years. If not for his pesky knees, there is no telling how good he could have been. We're not here to talk about New York Knicks Stoudemire but had he been healthy, he and Carmelo Anthony would have made serious noise.
Defensively he was superb, while on the other end he'd hang 20 on you in a myriad of ways no problem at all. He scored 50 in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers back in 2005, and is beloved by the fanbase. He had a chance to go down as the greatest Sun ever and even though that didn't happen, when it was good, it was great with Stoudemire in Phoenix.