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Sunday August 6, 2006 10:52 pm
Do Not Draft Amare Stoudemire!
Okay, some of you are probably still infatuated with what Stoudemire did during the 2004-2005 season and it’s nothing to sneeze at - 26.0 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.6 bpg, 55.9 FG%, and a big man that can actually shoot free throws, my word, at a 73.3% clip! And on top of all those very good numbers, Stoudemire was center eligible! That in itself elevates his value a great deal! But, did you read the subject line? I’m sure you did. What does it say? That’s right… despite all that good stuff during the aforementioned season, do not draft Amare Stoudemire.
I know, I’m crazy, right? And I’m sure I’m going to hear from all the Suns fans, but I’m telling you, listen to Uncle Dennis, Amare will not be worth where he gets drafted and we all know that some guy (the proverbial that guy; don’t be him, I implore you) will take him in the first or second round.
I guess I should tell you that I’m pretty much a sissy-boy when it comes to taking chances when I draft. I won’t touch Tracy McGrady, in a fantasy draft or in real life. I won’t touch Andrei Kirilenko, either. Besides, I’m sure he wouldn’t waste his wife’s “get out of jail card” on a dude… yeah, references to his wife’s one free night with another woman will NEVER die. At least not for us guys. But, I will have to say, AK-47 is as tempting as a night with Paris Hilton - you know you’ll get some (as in get excellent stats across the board), but you’ll have to deal with potential diseases (as in potential injuries). It’s tough, but you have to think with the head that’s on shoulders and not the one down by the family jewels.
And that’s what I’ll be doing when it comes to Amare Stoudemire.
He was working with the U.S. national team, gearing up for the World Championships in Japan later this month. He was recently cut from the team that will officially compete in order to continue his rehab and to be back here in the States for his child’s birth. Before that, Stoudemire was doing it up in the summer league. While, for all intents and purposes Stoudemire did well, he didn’t do “Amare-well” as he is still trying to get his timing and explosion back. Let’s not forget that Stoudemire missed most of the season because of a serious knee injury, stupidly came back early (okay, I’ll admit this is a hindsight comment), which required another surgery back in April. Hey, guess what bodypart gets a lot of the punishment from a basketball player that runs and jumps a lot, especially a player such as Amare Stoudemire?
Yeah, the knees.
That said, I’ll be positive now. Stoudemire doesn’t turn 24 years old until this November… dang, I feel old… so he definitely has youth on his side to turn things around. And from what I’ve heard and read, since Stoudemire couldn’t count 100 percent on his athleticism, speed, and raw power, he actually worked on the more technical aspects of the game. Excellent. Kudos, big fella!
But, I’m still not drafting you in the first, second, or even third round.
If you’re in a redraft league, I don’t think it’ll be a good idea to tab Amare Stoudemire as one of your top guys for this season. Let the following be someone else’s headache - Stoudemire’s injury woes, Shawn Marion’s game elevation (oh, yes - you will know about my Marion Man Love… and Shaun Livingston Love as well), Boris Diaw’s even better elevation of his game, especially down in the post, and the fact that Stoudemire will have to get back into game shape, physically and mentally, as well as get his timing down after basically a whole season off.
Now, I’m not totally dumb. I know that Stoudemire is just too gifted off a player to suck for a whole season. But I’m think it’s going to be more the case that Stoudemire gets to be his old self again to help the Phoenix Suns team win a title as opposed to your fantasy team winning a title. That is to say, that the “old” Stoudemire will rock the rim during the real playoffs, which does nothing for us fantasy geeks.
And while I fell in love with Stoudemire, just like everyone else, on this highlight dunk pictured above, you won’t be seeing too many “in yo grill” dunks like that for some time from Stoudemire. In fact, if he tried to do that again right now on Michael Olowokndi, Stoudemire would probably get rejected.
Oh, who am I kidding? Amare isn’t that bad. Just don’t draft him in the early rounds. You’ll thank me later.
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Comments:
Hahahaha… this was the beginning of August last year, my man. And at that time I didn’t receive my “Prognostication” Wizard’s Hat yet from an auction I won on E-Bay.
However, I see your “Hindsight is 20/20” glasses came in.
My only question is, where were you in August 2006 when I wrote this? In any case, thanks for taking the time out to read the article. And, I hope despite my sarcasm, you’ll continue to be a loyal reader. Unfortunately, the hat still didn’t come in, so I have no idea if you will or not.
I really need to report this to the powers that be at E-Bay.
So are you still backing up your statement not to draft him. Is his 20 ppg and 10 rpg not enough? The only person i would draft in front of Amare would be Steve Nash, who averages a double double as well. This year (if they stay healthy) the SUNS are champions!!!!
shut the #### up you little bitch what the #### you talkin about do not draft amare stoudemire thats the dumbest #### ive ever herd ...amare is about to be one of the best players in the league you gotta be fuckin retarded not to draft him, whoever wrote this #### why dont you go look at amare’s stats you dumbasss and fuckin learn basketballl thats the dumbest #### ive eveer herd
Hahahaha… man, you are funny, “Amare.” I guess you don’t look at dates… can you even get any? Dude, I’m kidding. Sorta.
Seriously, thanks for the intelligent argument. Appreciate it. And what I appreciate more is that you’re not repetitive in any way.
So, I’ll be just like you and not be repetitive as well, so…
DRAFT AMARE STOUDEMIRE!!! There, everyone happy now? 
I know this was a while back, and I’m positive if you had the opportunity to draft Amare now, you wouldn’t be so hesitant on a second round pick, let alone third.
The points you make are all excellent. Amare did have reconstructive knee surgery. Amare’s main attribute is explosiveness, which is derived from knees. And with Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, and the rest of the Suns looking to make a statement, Amare seemed like the odd man out. And to be honest, last year, I wouldn’t have drafted Amare in the first round last year, either.
However, a player with Amare’s abilities, age, and stats and the C eligibilty is just too tempting for any team to pass up. Sure, he was injured the previous year, but he seemed to be decent during summer ball and the US try outs. I think a lot of owners felt it was a necessary gamble to take him in the second or third round.
It’s funny, because at the end of the article, you write about Amare’s work ethic. That right there would make A LOT of fantasy owners relieved when taking him with a second pick. The drive and determination to return meant better chances of staying healthy and keeping himself happy.
I’m not here to criticize you, because even now, reading that article, I enjoyed it. I feel the same way about McGrady, because he always misses that Saturday night game when I need him the most towards the end of the week. And you’re spot on about AK, too. All the references to pop culture made me laugh, as well.
Good article, excellent points, and an overall nice read. You may have been a bit off in your bold statement, but it was a helluva lot better than reading another Yahoo “expert” testimony on how everything is great.
And BTW, the only reason I posted now is because I’m doing research on Amare for my dynasty league. Cheers, and take care!
R u fuckin shiiting!!!!! y would u not want to draft an all-star?? He was also the m.v.p of the rookie vs. sophtmore game and was in the dunk comp. ( even though he didn’t win) :(( His stats r pretty damn good if u ask me and thts y his nickname is STAT right?? He can posterize people and stuuf there ass. wats there not to like in this big-fella??
Hey Matt… thanks for tuning in… well… except for that brief moment you tuned out to check the date of this entry.
Honestly, we all had to remember at this time in question, Amare was coming off major surgery.
Question: if you thought Gilbert Arenas was the best PG coming into this season as many thought, but he doesn’t come back this season due to injury, would you draft him high next season? Maybe you like to roll the dice and you do. Personally, I’d rather go Nash, Paul, or even D-Will instead.
Usually in the first round, you don’t want too many questions surrounding your pick, hence this blog post written some time ago.
But, maybe you like to shake dice.
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Why? What happened to this thread? Anyone?
Regards,
Carie Ann
Credit rapide
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yeah whats with this thread all about. im confused too.
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