By Ryan Lipton
Former six-time NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire has produced shockwaves across the BIG3’s third season.
Stoudemire has put up seismic numbers through the first three games, averaging 22 points and eight rebounds. Nine NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, have taken notice and reached out to Stoudemire with an invitation for a private workout, per ESPN’s Jordan Schultz.
Here’s five reasons why these teams are making a smart decision:
Elite Scorer
How many big men are there that can score in the association? In today’s league, not that many. That’s why teams are still taking a flier on Demarcus Cousins, who suffered a ruptured achilles just one season ago.
In the first three games, Stoudemire has put up 26, 18, and 22 points, respectively. Stat is driving by BIG3 defenders with ease, while simultaneously knocking down 18-footers to keep the defense honest.
Stoudemire will give teams an added dimension to bulster their offense that few teams will be able to compete with.
Great Shape
At 36-years-old, it’s not easy to play basketball for a living, but Stoudemire, with his dedication to stay in shape, has made it a reality.
The NBA veteran’s new cardio regime and diet have helped him drop 10 pounds making him lighter on his feet.
@CBSSportsNet
“I’ve been able to get down in weight and increased cardio. I feel great.”
Amare Stoudemire talks about the road back to the NBA here with @thebig3.
Experience
The former five-time All-NBA first teamer has played 14 seasons with four different NBA teams. His experience with different teams and playing styles five him a leg up on the competition and provided big-game experience; most notably with his time for the Phoenix Suns.
If a team does decide to take a flier on Stoudemire, they will know that, come playoff time, Stoudemire will be ready. Not just for himself, but with the younger teammates as well.
Love of the Game
Everyone plays the game of basketball for different reasons. Some for fame, some money, but Stoudemire plays it for the right reason, for the love of the game.
Stoudemire could easily have retired and sailed off into the sunset, however he’s still balling every day whether for the BIG3, internationally, or any future NBA contract that awaits him.
And there’s no doubt, that if that NBA contract does come knocking, the work ethic that Stoudemire possesses will not disappoint. It will continue and set a great example for younger NBA players.
Frame
At 6-foot-10, Stoudemire has the size to get physical with the big men that frequent today’s NBA, while also possessing the quickness, due to his new body weight, to stay in front of the quicker players if he has to play in the NBA’s popular small-ball lineup.
Week 3
SATURDAY, JULY 6 • FINAL | 1 | 2 | T |
Tri-State1-2 | 25 | 25 | 50 |
3’s Company0-3 | 22 | 22 | 44 |
GAME 1: LEGACY ARENA • BIRMINGHAM, AL | BOX SCORE |
SATURDAY, JULY 6 • FINAL | 1 | 2 | T |
Ghost Ballers2-1 | 18 | 17 | 35 |
Enemies2-1 | 26 | 25 | 51 |
GAME 3: LEGACY ARENA • BIRMINGHAM, AL | BOX SCORE |
SUNDAY, JULY 7 • FINAL | 1 | 2 | T |
3 Headed Monsters2-1 | 21 | 27 | 48 |
Killer 3’s3-0 | 25 | 26 | 51 |
GAME 5: STATE FARM ARENA • ATLANTA, GA | BOX SCORE |