Amar’e Stoudemire announces retirement from NBA

Six-time NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire announced his retirement on Tuesday after signing a one-day contract with the New York Knicks.

The 33-year-old Stoudemire played 14 NBA seasons, including 4 1/2 campaigns with the Knicks. He had his best seasons with the Phoenix Suns and also played for the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat.

“I came to New York in 2010 to help revitalize this franchise and we did just that,” Stoudemire said in a statement released by the Knicks. “… Although my career has taken me to other places around the country, my heart had always remained in the Big Apple. Once a Knick, always a Knick.”

Stoudemire was an All-Star for the Knicks in 2010-11 when he averaged 24.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. He was voted to start the game — the first time for a New York player since Patrick Ewing in 1997.

Injuries hampered him over the rest of his tenure with the Knicks and the final years of his career.

Stoudemire made the All-Star team five times while with the Suns. He averaged more than 20 points in six of his eight seasons in Phoenix, the organization that selected him ninth overall in the 2002 NBA Draft.

“The Phoenix Suns family congratulates Amar’e Stoudemire on a remarkable NBA career,” the Suns said in a statement. “As the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year and a five-time All-Star during his time in Phoenix, Amar’e’s eight seasons with our franchise provided some of the most exciting Suns basketball this city has ever seen.

“Off the court, Amar’e represented himself with integrity and class every step of the way, leaving an indelible impression on countless kids in our community. We’re proud to have called Amar’e one of our own and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement. Congrats, STAT!”

The 6-foot-10 Stoudemire averaged 21.9 points and 9.1 rebounds in 846 career games.