In recognition of their exceptional contributions and enduring legacies, the Phoenix Suns have a cherished tradition known as the ‘Ring of Honor.’ This prestigious accolade is highly esteemed by any NBA player, yet only 15 individuals have received it since its inception in 1999.
In an exciting development, the Suns revealed this week that they will be extending this honor to two more individuals: Shawn Marion and Amar’e Stoudemire.
Mat Ishbia on the two players
As it turns out, Mat Ishbia may have been the only one the Suns needed to fix their culture and repair strained relationships with their former players. When he took office as the new governor in February, Ishbia made it clear that he would make things right.
True to his word, Ishbia reconciled the franchise with two of its illustrious players: Marion and Stoudemire. In August, it was announced that the two would be inducted into the Suns’ Ring of Honor.
“Shawn and Amar’e are two of the very best to ever wear a Phoenix Suns uniform,” said Mat Ishbia in a press release. “Shawn changed the game with his elite versatility, and Amar’e was one of the most electrifying players the league has ever seen. Shawn and Amar’e helped define the Suns and inspired generations of fans, and our Suns family is incomplete without them in the Ring of Honor.”
“As we embark on the new era of Suns basketball it is a priority that we remain connected to our storied history. We are excited to celebrate Shawn and Amar’e and properly recognize their incredible contributions and achievement,” Ishbia added.
31 & 32 forever.
Shawn Marion & Amar’e Stoudemire will be inducted into the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the upcoming season! 👏
📰 READ MORE: https://t.co/Up4MX72ECW pic.twitter.com/O8Oh2cb9Ew
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 9, 2023
Marion and Stoudemire
The duo were part of the renowned Suns team, ‘seven seconds or less’, that went on to make it to the NBA Western Conference Finals in 2006.
Marion, aka Matrix
A former NBA player, Kenny Smith, called Shawn Marion “the Matrix” in the pre-season for his rookie year. The nickname eventually stuck with the media and fans, as Smith showed he deserved it when he played multiple positions on the court. Marion stayed with the Suns for nine seasons, playing a total of 660 regular-season games from 1999 to 2008.
In the time he spent playing for the Suns, Marion averaged 18.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Upon hearing the news that he would be receiving the Ring of Honor from the Suns, Marion expressed his excitement and stated that it was an honor to be acknowledged by the Suns family.
“The fans in Phoenix are one-of-a-kind and this city will always be a part of me. My time with the Suns was special and I am looking forward to being inducted into the Ring of Honor.”
Stoudemire, aka STAT
Stoudemire, on the other hand, went by the nickname STAT, which stands for “standing tall and talented,” and played for the Suns from 2002 to 2010, averaging 21.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.
The Suns announced his date of induction on Friday, posting on X: “Join us for a special postgame ceremony as we officially induct Amar’e Stoudemire into the Suns Ring of Honor, for his unforgettable legacy in the Valley!”
No. 32 to be retired on 3.2 ☄️
Join us for a special postgame ceremony as we officially induct Amar'e Stoudemire into the Suns Ring of Honor, for his unforgettable legacy in the Valley!
🎟️: https://t.co/dF2zxRuw1m pic.twitter.com/Qpjk6AR2GD
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 19, 2023
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