• Amare Stoudemire is an All-Star power forward/center for the Phoenix Suns. Although he had committed to play at the University of Memphis, he entered the 2002 NBA draft and was selected out of high school by the Suns.

  On February 20, 2009, Stoudemire underwent surgery on his right eye to correct a detached retina.ESPN.com: Suns: Stoudemire Could Miss 8 Weeks On March 6, 2009, the doctor who performed the surgery announced that he would not return for the 2008-2009 season.ESPN.com: Amare Won't Be Back This Season

• 1. Born: November 16, 1982
  2. Height: 6'10"
  3. Weight: 229 lbs
  4. Position: Power Forward/Center
  5. Jersey #: 1
  6. 2002: Ninth Pick in NBA Draft
  7. 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year
  8. NBA All-Star (2005, 2007, 2008)
  9. Member of the United States national team

• NBA Career

  Stoudemire had an immediate impact on the Suns, earning him the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year award. In 2004, the Suns acquired point guard Steve Nash and the two led the Suns to a 62-20 record and the Western Conference Finals.

  A pre-season knee injury caused Stoudemire to miss nearly the entire 2005-2006 NBA regular season. Stoudemire attempted to return at the end of March, but would return to rehab after stiffness in both knees continued. He would return for the 2006-2007 season, helping the Suns reach the second round of the playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs. Stoudemire was suspended for game five of the series for leaving the bench during an altercation. The Suns went on to lose the series in six games.

• Eye Injury

  On October 3, 2008, it was reported that Stoudemire had suffered an eye injury. Stoudemire had suffered a partially torn iris after being hit in the eye by a teammate during practice.

  Stoudemire reportedly will wear eye goggles during the basketball season to prevent further eye injury.ESPN.com: Stoudemire has torn iris, may dong goggles

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