Goodbye STAT...

The New York Knicks have reached a buyout agreement with former all-star forward Amare Stoudamire.  Amare was New York's prime free agency acquisition in 2010.  That year NBA free agents included Dirk Nowitzski, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Joe Johnson.

The Knicks entered that summer with hopes of landing a big fish.  The possibility of Amare joining the Knicks seemed like a great plan B if LeBron would decide to play elsewhere. New York wined and dined LeBron to no avail as the King would opt to form a super team in Miami with Wade and Bosh.  New York received heavy criticism for signing a player with a history of major injuries to a five -year max deal.

Amare started his tenure in Gotham in MVP form.  He and Raymond Felton developed great chemistry in training camp.  Midway through the 2010 season the two were one of the best guard - forward combo ' s in the NBA.  Amare was a great fit in Mike D'Antoni 's explosive offense.  Amare looked worth every dollar the Knicks shelled his way.

Amare's game was altered drastically due to the addition of Carmelo Anthony.  Combine that with lingering injuries and now you have a damaged star looking to recapture his glory. After a promising beginning the Amare deal hurt the Knicks on the court and financially.  A player receiving 20$ Million dollars per year needs to be available more often than not. Amare has never been that type of player.

Signing Amare was an experiment.  At 28 it was difficult to predict what type of player he would be five years down the road.  The manner of his departure from a city that truly embraces him is a tad bit disappointing.  Fans should thank Amare for being the first player to give New York a shot following years of futility.  Without Amare maybe the Knicks don't go out and acquire Carmelo Anthony  If he manages to stay healthy, Amare will be a decent late season acquisition for the Dallas Mavericks.