Suns Announce Date for Amar'e Stoudemire Ring of Honor Induction

The Phoenix Suns have set March 2 as the day the franchise legend will be immortalized in the rafters.

PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has done almost everything the right way since taking over the organization in February. 

Repairing broken relationships with Suns legends Shawn Marion and Amar'e Stoudemire has been at the forefront of Suns fans' minds for quite some time, and now they both will be immortalized for good in the history of the franchise. 

Just one day after the team announced Marion's induction date, Stoudemire's was revealed today.

From the team:

"The Phoenix Suns today announced that Suns legend Amar’e Stoudemire will be inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor on Saturday, March 2 when the Suns host the Houston Rockets. Immediately after the game, a commemorative ceremony to honor Stoudemire will take place at center court surrounded by Suns legends, former teammates and family to celebrate as Stoudemire receives the organization’s highest honor."

"Stoudemire played 516 regular season games over eight seasons with the Suns from 2002-2010, averaging 21.4 points on 54.4% shooting, 8.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He ranks seventh in franchise history in points (11,035), fifth in scoring average (21.4), third in rebounds (4,613) and fifth in blocks (722). Nicknamed “S.T.A.T.,” Stoudemire was named All-NBA four times, including to the First Team in 2006-07, was a five-time All-Star selection and the 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year during his time with the Suns."

"Stoudemire, No. 32, will have his uniform number officially retired on March 2 as a part of his induction to the reimagined Ring of Honor which will be unveiled during the Suns home opener on Oct. 28. Stoudemire will join Alvan Adams (33), Charles Barkley (34), Tom Chambers (24), Walter Davis (6), Connie Hawkins (42), Kevin Johnson (7), Dan Majerle (9), Steve Nash (13), Dick Van Arsdale (5), Paul Westphal (44) and Marion (31, who will be inducted on Dec. 15) as the Suns’ retired numbers."

"Stoudemire will become the 17th Suns player inducted to the Ring of Honor, joining the eleven previously mentioned players as well as Jerry Colangelo, Cotton Fitzsimmons, John MacLeod, Al McCoy and Joe Proski." 

March 2nd should be a special day, as Stoudemire was one of the most exciting players to watch in basketball at his peak, and was part of a time where hope in the valley was at a near fever-pitch. Although the number 1 jersey is being saved for a later time, STAT will always be remembered regardless of the jersey number.