The Suns did know about the problem before signing Amare. They agreed to give a max contract to him in spite of it. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/1011stoudemire1011.html Stoudemire has been troubled by the left knee since the summer and reported the pain well before signing his five-year contract extension. He missed part of one camp session and all of another last week due to the soreness but had resumed practicing until he received a second opinion Friday from a Tucson doctor.
Yeah, but they'll still end up getting a prospect within the top ten, or even the top 5. I don't think amare's injury is actually that DIRE for phoenix. First, the press release says that the doctor expects Amare to return normally. So, in theory, they could actually be a stronger team entering next season than this season (with the high draft pick). And plus, I think everyone agrees that Phoenix wasn't going to be a championship calibre team this season anyways (would have probably lost in the first or second round). So, in the long term, this injury might actually benefit them in terms of trying to win a championship.
I seem to remember that all the press were saying that Penny Hardaway, Chris Webber, Jamal Mashburn, Allan houston, Antonio McDyess......would return normally after surgegy according to whoever doctors performed the surgery. Wll, we all know what really happened. The reason that I listed the above players is that Amare's surgery is pretty similar to what those had in their respective careers that basically reduced them from stars/superstars to good/above average players. It will be interesting to see how Amare's career go in the next 5-6 years.
First of all, I wouldn't believe half of what you read in the average press release. If you recall, the release immediately before this one said that Amare was only having "exploratory" surgery. Press releases are written by people who spin for a living. Second, I don't think the Suns will go completely in the tank. Without Stoudemire, I rate them as a middle-of-the-pack team fighting for a playoff spot. Those kinds of teams are more likely to end up with a Boki Nachbar than a Yao Ming in the draft.
I'm of the same mind as the Suns fans- Why risk his career for an early comeback and run at the playoffs? He needs to take his time and heal up before he comes back, even if the Suns miss the playoffs. Whatever happens, this is only good for the Rox.
Numerous drug and theft charges, as I remember. His brother did time too, I think. Give Stoudemire credit - he had lots of red flags going into the draft, but you can't find anyone who says anything bad about him, family aside.
I can't think of a recent player besides Amare who had as many red flags heading into draft night, and somehow (and I know we're pretty early in the game here) he's managed to leave all that behind him. This guy's family was CONSTANTLY an issue from 1997 to 2002, so much that he was a laughingstock at the Nike camps he went to after his Soph/Junior years of HS (in spite of his fine) play. College guys and scouts I talked to were wondering aloud whether or not he was going to make it out of his senior year of high school. Everything pointed, at best, an Eddie Griffin situation. At best. He says some curious things at times, but I'm constantly amazed at the way he's been able to keep his family at arm's length. And he hasn't cut them off completely, as a New York Times article from 2003 pointed out. He's just dealt with it.
Right, thats why I said that a jump shot would keep him competitive. He can kiss goodbye any all-star selections without his athletic ability. If he wants to stay in the league, he needs that jumpshot, otherwise...See ya when I see ya!
Can we officially call the Suns a one-year wonder now? Back to the lottery they go. Brian Grant and Kurt Thomas may just make the worst starting frontline in the West. I hope that Amare recovers completely from this injury. He's a unique talent that is very valuable to the future of the NBA. Basketball needs its stars to be healthy and shine. The late 90s'/early 00's NBA would have been very different had Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway be healthy.
even in a best case scenario, amare would have eventually lost his superior athleticism within several years--even the best lost it in their late 20's (jordan, malone, barkley, shaq, webber). it's not so much the age as it is the damage sustained over years of playing. however, they all used whatever athleticism they had left and augmented their basketball skills, becoming even more potent on the court. you just can't play the way that amare did for very long, injury or not. wade is another player who will have to adjust in several years. he is so aggressive and fierce in the lane, and that will eventually take its toll. duncan on the other hand, basically messes up his ankles year after year, and plays through it--his game is earthbound and less damaging. iverson is a player who seems to be an exception to the rule. no, he doesn't jump over people and dunk anymore, but he is still lightning quick and physically, a superior athlete. his body seems virtually indestructible. i'm guessing amare can come back and still be a very good player, but somehow I doubt he'll be intimidating anyone in the paint anymore.
Microfracture surgery does not work out that well for NBA players ~ particularly someone who's a 6' 10"' above the rim player. His game will never be the same...
I think the idea is to cut off his passing angles, get the ball out of his hands and generally harrass him and wear him down...
I wouldn't rule out Amare returning to form. Not this season, but most likely next. I know there hasn't been any success stories in bball, but there has been some in football. The recent ones that spring to mind are Stephen Davis and Deshaun Foster(gee, wonder why I know that). I also wouldn't count the Suns out of the playoff race just yet. They can still win in the regular season, it's just in the postseason they'll look even worse. They wont get a top draft pick unless they win the lotto, and even if they do who's to say the draft will be any good this year? Didn't look all that great last year. All this means is that any hope for a title the Suns had is flickering away even faster. A wasted year for Nash, who isn't going to be getting any younger.
I'm tempted to bookmark this thread, and come back to it in February... I think it's a bit early to proclaim a player's career dead until he's at least had time to heal, never mind rehabilitate.
