2023-08-10 10:35:00
Amar’e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, two Suns figures – in the 2000s – will see their jerseys retired by the Arizona franchise. Supreme tribute to the generation « Run&Gun » who made cactus basketball shine far beyond Phoenix. Nostalgia and memories…
What a time… And what nostalgia when talking regarding the Suns of the 2000s. Names: Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Leandro Barbosa, Raja Bell, Amar’e Stoudemire et… Boris Diaw ! The generation “Run&Gun” under the orders of Mike D’Antoni left all NBA fans of the time with a special flavor. A soul emerged from this team, as burning as its region and its pennant.
So certainly, this formation of Phoenix did not know how to bring back the title so much hoped for decades in Arizona, but it will have marked by its way of playing and by its energy a delicious era of the NBA. Let us remember two big names from this team that has become legendary – in addition to Steve Nash, tutelary figure of this team – Shawn Marion et Amar’e Stoudemire each incarnated in their own way this state of mind and this madness that inhabited Phoenix.
Amar’e Stoudemire – (often) with his welding goggles – embodied the inner strength of the Suns with superpowered dunks and incredible physical dominance. The n°32 or n°1 depending on the era (the 32 will be withdrawn), will have tormented the defenses and the hoops from 2002 to 2010 in the cactus region, becoming one of the most emblematic pivots in the history of franchise. Memories…
An atypical shoot, the composure of a hitman and springs underfoot to slam down huge posters… no doubt, we’re talking regarding Shawn Marion. He too, become essential in this generation Run&Gun, was a particularly spectacular detonator in his team. Fueled by Steve Nash’s caviars, No. 31 will also be retired for service to Arizona, from 1999 to 2008.
The reactions of the two interested parties were not long in coming out in the press, when Matt Ishbia – Suns owner – announced the retirement of both jerseys and the induction of both men into the « Ring of Honor »a kind of local Hall of Fame.
“I breathe purple and orange, so it’s a huge honor. My best years, the ones where I progressed the most, were in Phoenix. I have nothing but love for Suns fans. – Amar’e Stoudemire, via NBA.com
“It’s amazing to be recognized like this by the Suns family. The fans in Phoenix are unique and the city will always be a part of me. My years with the Suns have been unique for me and I look forward to participating in this “Ring of Honor” ceremony. – Shawn Marion, via NBA.com
A deserved reward for these two local legends, who will have left their mark on a golden era on the side of Phoenix.
Sources : NBA.com, Phoenix Suns Offical Website
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