New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina aside, Dennis Smith Jr. in for crucial year by Rob Wolkenbrod

Former New York Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire is officially eligible to enter the 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class.

In 2018, the New York Knicks had two alumni enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class: Jason Kidd and Maurice Cheeks. Both ex-players were short-term fixtures with the team, but their careers impacted the game with other organizations, including Kidd’s run to two NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets.

Earlier this month, Carl Braun and Paul Westphal were inducted into the 2019 class.

For 2020, the Knicks may have yet another season with a franchise representative.

The NBA officially announced the basketball figures eligible for the 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class. Among the notable names, ex-Knick Amar’e Stoudemire can receive his spot in next year’s group. Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Chris Bosh are also eligible.

Stoudemire spent four-plus seasons with the Knicks, from 2010-15. His year was stellar and indicative of what he did previously, with 25.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. The numbers curtailed in the ensuing campaigns due to injury, but he revitalized New York basketball after years of mediocrity.

This was not Stoudemire’s most important stop, though, as he made a name for himself with the Phoenix Suns upon arrival in 2002. For the next eight seasons, he was a superstar, playing alongside Steve Nash on Mike D’Antonio’s famous high-tempo offenses. This featured six seasons of at least 20 points and eight rebounds per game and deep trips in the NBA playoffs.

Stoudemire also made five All-Star Games with the Suns; six total, with the other happening in New York.

Accolades also followed this prolific power forward. He won the 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year award, made the 2002-03 All-Rookie First Team, the All-NBA First Team in 2006-07 and the All-NBA Second Team in 2004-05, 2007-08, 2009-10 and 2010-11.

There were other, shorter stints with the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat in the final two seasons of Stoudemire’s career.

A decision on Stoudemire’s potential spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame will be determined down the line, but with this resume, he has the opportunity to be immortalized at any point, whether it is 2020 or a year beyond.