Let’s be honest, when discussing a Jewish athlete we consider them a star at any point if they were able to make it to a professional League. However, the athlete we are going to be talking about today is not only just a star because he made the league.
This NBA player was one of the top big men in the league for a large amount of time in the late 2000s. He is also one of the only African-American Jewish players of all time.
Today we are talking about Amar’e Stoudemire.
Jewish Life
No Jews really discussed Amar’e Stoudemire because at the time he was not Jewish. Stoudemire began converting to Judaism in 2018. Once converted, Israel granted him residency in early 2019. Once Stoudemire was granted residency, he moved to Israel and joined the Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv team.
This would have been an amazing addition to the Maccabi team if it was a few years later, as at this time Stoudemire ran out of gas. He was only able to play 5 minutes of game and put up 1.3 points per game.
However, a man of his stature who at one point averaged 25 points per game in an NBA season, instantly puts him near the top of the list as possibly the greatest Jewish basketball player of all time.
In an interview, Stoudemire stated the reason for him converting was, “simply to get acclimated to the culture in Israel and also to apply for citizenship.”
NBA Career
Stoudemire was selected with the 9th pick in the NBA draft in 2003 by the Phoenix Suns. Later this year, he would receive the rookie of the year award for being the best rookie in the league. Stoudemire had a career average of 18.9 points per game to go along with 7.8 rebounds per game.
Stoudemire was a six time all star (the second most appearances from a jewish athlete). Stoudemire unfortunately was never able to win an NBA Championship, and constantly was battling for one against Jewish player, Jordan Farmar on the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers and Suns had some legendary battles however, Farmar was the one lucky enough to win 2 NBA Championships.
NBA Comeback
Over this offseason, it was reported that Stoudemire had aspirations of making an NBA return. There were also some reports that he was working out for the Lakers. Up to this date, it seems as if no team is very interested in the 37 year old.
It is unknown where Stoudemire will go from here as he also was not getting too many minutes in Israel.
All we know is that NBA comeback or not, Stoudemire has had an amazing career, and the entire Jewish faith is proud to welcome him to the family.
Works Cited
“Amar’e Stoudemire.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Apr. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar%27e_Stoudemire.