Recent rumors are out that former NBA big man Amar'e Stoudemire could resume his professional basketball career in Israel next season despite recently retiring from the sport as a New York Knick last week.
ESPN indicated that the 33-year-old power forward is expected to announce his plan to suit up for Israeli squad Hapoel Jerusalem, a club he partially owns, next season during a scheduled Monday morning press conference.
The report confirmed that according to their sources, Stoudemire's stint with the said team "is now a mere formality".
It also mentioned that the former Cypress Creek standout is set to visit Israel next week to participate in an NBA Cares program initiated by the Sacramento Kings' Omar Casspi, who is the first ever Israeli basketball player to join the NBA.
Stoudemire had shown devotion to the said country during the past several years from the time when he had known of his Jewish lineage from his mother's side. He was a majority owner of Hapoel ever since 2013 along with tech mogul Ori Allon and sports agent Arn Tellem.
In Tuesday of last week, Stoudemire announced his decision to retire from the NBA after 14 years of service. He had played eight seasons for the Phoenix Suns, five-and-a-half for the New York Knicks, a half-season for the Dallas Mavericks, and finally last season for the Miami Heat before he was able to sign back with the Knicks for a retirement contract.
He averaged 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds for head coach Erik Spoelstra in 2015-2016 playing in a career-low 14.7 minutes per game.
"I came to New York in 2010 to help revitalize this franchise and we did just that," said Stoudemire during his retirement ceremony. "Carmelo (Anthony), Phil (Jackson), and Steve (Mills) have continued this quest, and with this year's acquisitions, the team looks playoff-bound once again. Although my career has taken me to other places around the country, my heart had always remained in the Big Apple. Once a Knick, always a Knick."
Meanwhile, CBS Sports noted that Stoudemire is set to become the "best player to ever suit up in Israel" and that the six-time NBA All-Star had always intimated of his desire to play in the country since 2014.
The article mentioned that Stoudemire told the New York Post's Marc Berman that year that if he will have a chance to play in Israel, and he is "still in great health", then he will grab the opportunity.
