The Phoenix Suns will retire the jersey of both Shawn Marion (#31) and Amar’e Stoudemire (#32) to their Ring of Honor for next 2023-24 season, the team announced Wednesday.
The two Suns legends will become the respective 11th and 12th players to enter the franchise’s Ring of Honor. The dates of the ceremonies will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Shawn and Amar’e are two of the very best to ever wear a Phoenix Suns uniform,” said team owner Mat Ishbia in a statement. “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 achievements.”
Alongside Steve Nash and coach Mike D’Antoni, Marion and Stoudemire were instrumental in revolutionizing the game with their high octane, fast-paced “07 Seconds or Less” offense during the NBA’s mid-2000s era.
Marion assumed the defensive ace role and the versatile engine of the Suns using his impeccable athleticism and untiring motor. In nine years of residing in Phoenix, he compiled averages of 18.4 points, 10.0 boards, 2.0 assists, 1.9 steals, 1.4 blocks and 48.1 percent shooting in 37.8 minutes of play across 660 games.
The retired four-time All-Star remains etched in most of the statistical leaderboards of the Suns franchise, ranking No. 1 in career win shares (93.2), value over replacement player (38.7), and box plus/minus (4.2).
“This is amazing to be recognized by the Suns family in this way,” said Marion. “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.”
Meanwhile, the five-time All-Star Stoudemire emerged as the skillful frontcourt force of the Suns with his averages of 21.4 points, 8.9 boards, 1.4 blocks and 54.4 percent shooting for 516 games in eight regular seasons. He ranks seventh in franchise history in points (11,035), fifth in scoring average (21.4), third in rebounds (4,613) and fifth in blocks (722).
“I bleed purple and orange, making this a tremendous honor to be inducted,” said Stoudemire. “My best and most transformative years came in Phoenix with the Suns. I have so much love for Suns fans and appreciation for the love they have always shown me. I am excited to reconnect with the fanbase in joining the Ring of Honor.”
With both Marion and Stoudemire at their side (2003-2007), the Suns reached five postseason arenas including a consecutive trip to the Conference Finals in 04-05 as well as 05-06.
