Amar’e Stoudemire Trying To Return To The Top
By Mark Bruty
An image making it around the various forms of social media and online platforms shows the New York Knicks Amar’e Stoudemire bathing in a tub full of … red wine. Now, before you get all judgmental and think that he is going “gangsta rap” or something similar, hear me out. Apparently, bathing in red wine is a new age “vinotherapy” that some spa facilities are offering and USA Today offers us an explanation of why.
"“The substances found in the acids of the wine grape are known to strengthen micro circulation while increasing the resistance of the blood cells and protecting the skin’s elastic and collagen fibers. Additional research shows that wine therapy (resveratrol) has been linked to help with skin cancers, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, muscle memory, toning of muscles, reduces varicose veins, eases allergies and fights stress and depression. Our grape-seed extract in our services is seven times more effective than Vitamin E.” – Vinotherapy Studio in Atascadero."
Stoudemire is 31 years of age, has undergone microfracture surgery on his knees and has played 13 NBA seasons. There is going to be some wear and tear on the body and clearly he is trying anything and everything to get himself fit and healthy for the upcoming NBA season. And so he should.
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Stoudemire has a very big contract. Like a mega-deal
(side note: please be seated while reading this, but Stoudemire is in the final year of a five-year …gulp … $100 million deal)
. However, his on-court performances haven’t lived up to that dollar figure.
Sure, he is at least playing, unlike a Gilbert Arenas situation, but still, it’s less than ideal for a Knicks team that sure could use a little extra money and cap room to bring in some talent.
This season is pretty much a make or break season for Amar’e. He has struggled to recapture the form he had in Phoenix with Steve Nash and he hasn’t done himself any favors in the process — punching fire hydrants and so forth. Now, as his career begins to enter the twilight zone, this might be his last chance to show he has something to offer and that he deserves another deal.
Battling back issues and having to be rested at varying points of last season, doesn’t really instill any confidence, but Amar’e doesn’t appear content to sit back and collect his money and leave it at that.
The latest attempt to get his body right shows that Stoudemire is really hoping to play a valuable role for the Knicks this season and perhaps for the Knicks (or any other team) in the future as well.
At the height of his career, Stoudemire was a damaging force–a brutal combination of size, strength, speed and athleticism who ran the floor, blocked shots and finished in transition.
He also possessed a decent face-up jump shot and was at his best moving towards the basket. Now, with age and injury curtailing his physical and athletic abilities, he needs to alter his playing style.
There will be less action above the rim and more down low in the post. Derek Fisher will try to make the most of Amar’e in the newly implemented triangle offense alongside Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith and Jose Calderon.
While we may see a different Amar’e Stoudemire this season, don’t count out his effectiveness. After all, he is doing anything he can find to ensure he is fit and ready to contribute.