The Phoenix Suns will retire the jersey of each Shawn Marion (#31) and Amar’e Stoudemire (#32) to their Ring of Honor for next 2023-24 season, the staff announced Wednesday.
The two Suns legends will turn out to be the respective eleventh and twelfth gamers to enter the franchise’s Ring of Honor. The dates of the ceremonies will probably be introduced within the coming weeks.
“Shawn and Amar’e are two of the very best to ever wear a Phoenix Suns uniform,” stated staff proprietor Mat Ishbia in an announcement. “Shawn changed the game with his elite versatility and Amar’e was one of the most electrifying players the league has ever seen. Shawn and Amar’e helped define the Suns and inspired generations of fans, and our Suns family is incomplete without them in the Ring of Honor.
“As we embark on the new era of Suns basketball it is a priority that we remain connected to our storied history. We are excited to celebrate Shawn and Amar’e and properly recognize their incredible contributions and achievements.”
Alongside Steve Nash and coach Mike D’Antoni, Marion and Stoudemire had been instrumental in revolutionizing the sport with their excessive octane, fast-paced “07 Seconds or Less” offense throughout the NBA’s mid-2000s period.
Marion assumed the defensive ace function and the versatile engine of the Suns utilizing his impeccable athleticism and untiring motor. In 9 years of residing in Phoenix, he compiled averages of 18.4 factors, 10.0 boards, 2.0 assists, 1.9 steals, 1.4 blocks and 48.1 p.c capturing in 37.8 minutes of play throughout 660 video games.
The retired four-time All-Star stays etched in most of the statistical leaderboards of the Suns franchise, rating No. 1 in profession win shares (93.2), worth over substitute participant (38.7), and field plus/minus (4.2).
“This is amazing to be recognized by the Suns family in this way,” stated Marion. “The fans in Phoenix are one-of-a-kind and this city will always be a part of me. My time with the Suns was special and I am looking forward to being inducted into the Ring of Honor.”
Meanwhile, the five-time All-Star Stoudemire emerged because the skillful frontcourt drive of the Suns along with his averages of 21.4 factors, 8.9 boards, 1.4 blocks and 54.4 p.c capturing for 516 video games in eight common seasons. He ranks seventh in franchise historical past in factors (11,035), fifth in scoring common (21.4), third in rebounds (4,613) and fifth in blocks (722).
“I bleed purple and orange, making this a tremendous honor to be inducted,” stated Stoudemire. “My best and most transformative years came in Phoenix with the Suns. I have so much love for Suns fans and appreciation for the love they have always shown me. I am excited to reconnect with the fanbase in joining the Ring of Honor.”
With each Marion and Stoudemire at their aspect (2003-2007), the Suns reached 5 postseason arenas together with a consecutive journey to the Conference Finals in 04-05 in addition to 05-06.
