Former Phoenix Suns greats Amar'e Stoudemire and Mike D'Antoni delivered their Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction speeches on Aug. 15 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Here's what Stoudemire and D'Antoni said about their time in Phoenix as both received standing ovations at the conclusion of their speeches at Symphony Hall.
"Playing for Phoenix as a rookie was important for me. As a high school player, growing up in Florida, you know, you're going to the NBA, and it's a different world. And to have an organization that understood that and really brought me in, and really molded me as a basketball player, helped me to become who I am today."
A McDonald's All-American who endured an unstable upbringing, Stoudemire had verbally committed to play at Memphis under then head coach John Calipari, but he elected to enter the 2002 NBA Draft.
"I had a pre-draft workout with a couple of teams, worked out in Phoenix. I had a brilliant workout. I felt great about that, and I was drafted ninth to the Phoenix Suns as a high schooler. At that time, Jerry Colangelo was the owner, Bryan Colangelo was GM. Rick Welts was there. So, I was ready to try to take on this journey of the NBA as a high schooler, a true high schooler."

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