NBA Free Agency: Amar'e Stoudemire Looks to Uprise Knicks

Over the years, Amar'e Stoudemire had a reputation as a lazy under-achiever. But everyone's opinions changed when the Suns made their surprising run to the conference finals with Stoudemire as their leader, averaging 23.1 points and 8.9 rebounds. However, even after almost eliminating the eventual champions, the Lakers, Steve Kerr alarmingly stepped down as the Suns' General Manager, which started speculations about Amar'e's contract. Stoudemire had the option to opt out of his last year with the Suns, which he eventually did for a place in the much anticipated 2010 Free Agency Class, which features names such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, to either resign with the Suns or sign with another team.

Yet Amar'e has met with the lowly Knicks, who posted a 29-53 record in the 2009-2010 but have an enourmous salary cap to easily sign players such as Lebron James and Chris Bosh. Stoudemire is now close to a deal that would give him a five-year, $100 million max contract. With David Lee seemingly leaving New York, it would leave room to Stoudemire to shine as the star for New York (for now).

New York has not been in the playoffs since the 2003-2004 season, even though they posted a 39-43 record to qualify. Seriously lacking any type of talent, they had to rely on Nate Robinson, who was traded to the Celtics at the deadline this season, and David Lee. Yet Stoudemire seems like the right move for them, as he brings instant offense and still has not shown his full potential as one of the leagues top power forwards. Some say that Steve Nash was the reason he succeeded in Phoenix, but I personally disagree with that.

Here are 2 reasons why Stoudemire is a good fit with the Knicks:

He can create his own shot: Amar'e is one of the best power forwards in the NBA for a reason. With his 245 pound and 6 feet 10 inch frame, his strength and quickness lets him blow by, muscle, or shoot with his much improved jumper. Most centers are too slow to guard him and most power forwards are too weak.

He is an effective rebounder: Rebounding is one of the most underrated stats in the NBA. One of the only teams that actually took that stat into consideration was our Portland Trail Blazers, who saw that after losing their 2 centers and had to trade for Marcus Camby. Stoudemire can easily bully his way for the offensive boards along with boxing out for defensive rebounds.

I believe Amar'e will make the Knicks an instant contender for the playoffs in the East, which requires a near .500 record to make it there. Stoudemire will easily give them that opportunity.