Miami Heat Roster News and Rumors: Amare Stoudemire Gets a Chance to Shine
Amare Stoudemire patiently waited during the offseason for a team to give him perhaps the last chance at reviving his career. The big man who went straight out of high school to the NBA in 2002 has completely become a very different player compared to about five years ago. With all the injuries that plagued him all throughout his career, hanging it up at the age of 33 seemed to be the right choice.
However, he couldn't stand leaving the game behind.
So when the Miami Heat signed him to a free agent contract last summer, the thought was that he's going to be called only when needed. His stint here in Miami is more like his exit plan. But then again, he has proven once again that he's out there not just for the money but to compete and contribute. And yes, he is contributing big time as of late.
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The Heat may no longer be the best in the Eastern Conference, but the team is hanging on for dear life as several players in the roster are dealing with injuries. And there's no one to rely on except for the often injured veteran himself, who surprisingly made a good impression while filling in for starting center Hassan Whiteside. As a matter of fact, in the Heat's 105-87 win over the Atlanta Hawks last Sunday, Stoudemire came away with very impressive numbers, including 13 points and 12 rebounds, while also making six steals. For the last six games, he averaged over 22 minutes and hasn't shown any let up or fatigue.
Stoudemire is not like the young Whiteside who can easily intimidate and block shots from the inside. However, he's a very smart veteran player who can execute a pick-and-roll play into perfection together with Dwyane Wade and Dragic. Now that should be something the Heat can rely on in the meantime.
