Ever since Patrick Ewing was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, it felt like ages since a real Knick made it in. Dikembe Mutombo made it in 2015, Tracy McGrady was inducted two years later, Jason Kidd just one year after, and Chauncey Billups got the nod in 2024. But all four of them only played just one season in New York. Despite Knicks fans often and proudly claiming, “once a Knick, always a Knick”, it was clear that none of those players were going to the Hall of Fame because
of their time as a Knick.
But for the second year in a row, the Knicks and their fans get the privilege of seeing a multi-year Knick get inducted.
Earlier today, Shams Charania reported that former Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire would be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year. He will be joined by Doc Rivers, Candace Parker, and Elena Delle Donne.
While this is reason to celebrate, it remains interesting seeing how fans look back at his up and down tenure as a Knick. He kicked off his inaugural season in New York with a bang, entering himself into MVP conversations. But when Anthony joined him, his numbers saw a dip in production, while his injuries started to pile up.
Depending on who you ask, you may get completely different answers on how they view his time as a Knick.
Some will remember his highlight plays and his courage to be the only star to want to play in New York. Others will remember the injuries and the infamous fire extinguisher incident.
Whichever way you lean, though, Stoudemire is a Hall of Famer, and nobody will be able to take that away.
