Miami Heat end of season position study: Center

Amar’e Stoudemire

33-year-old Amar’e Stoudemire came aboard the Heat train last summer, as Riley was looking to revamp his squad. Having missed the 2015 playoffs, the organization knew they had to make some moves in order to avoid another disastrous season. So, they acquired the former Phoenix Suns star and signed him to a one year, $1.5 million veteran’s minimum contract.

Stoudemire did not make a huge impact on the floor, but he still did decently; he ended up averaging 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds a game, on 14.7 minutes of play. However, he was not exactly expected to. While he had a decent 2014-15 in New York (12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per matchup), the Knicks play a different, very specific system. On top of that, the aging big man was also competing with Udonis Haslem and, for a period of time, Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen.

However, what Stoudemire did bring to the table was experience and leadership.

With young guys such as Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and even Whiteside, a team needs veteran knowledge to help guide them.

But Stoudemire did still have solid games.

For example, he finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks against the New Orleans Pelicans. He also totaled 14 points and 10 rebounds versus the Houston Rockets. Stoudemire had ten double-digit point games, during two of which he scored a double-double.

The man can also still dunk.

Heat Nation should not necessarily expect Stoudemire to stick around though.

While he does admit to having a good time with the Heat, he is not ready for a backseat role just yet:

"“For me personally, I showed great health, showed resilience and consistency of playing. Would love to have played more, but, for the most part, it was a successful year from a health standpoint. Great chemistry. I enjoyed the guys. I had the best time of my life with my teammates this season.”"

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