Amar'e Stoudemire, Mike D'Antoni Enter Hall of Fame Together

The Phoenix Suns duo reflect on their shared success and impact on the NBA game.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:11pm

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Former Phoenix Suns star Amar'e Stoudemire and legendary coach Mike D'Antoni were both inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, celebrating their shared success in transforming the Suns into an up-tempo, entertaining team in the mid-2000s. Stoudemire, a 6-time NBA All-Star, and D'Antoni, a 2-time NBA Coach of the Year, spoke about the special bond of entering the Hall together and the lasting impact of their innovative style of play.

Why it matters

Stoudemire and D'Antoni's induction into the Hall of Fame highlights the Suns' success during the mid-2000s, a period when the team's fast-paced, high-scoring offense captivated fans and influenced the evolution of the NBA game. Their partnership demonstrated the power of an innovative coaching philosophy combined with talented, versatile players to create an unforgettable brand of basketball.

The details

Stoudemire was the 9th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, going directly from high school to the pros. He blossomed into a 6-time All-Star under D'Antoni's coaching, averaging over 21 points and 8 rebounds per game in his first 8 seasons with the Suns. D'Antoni, known for his up-tempo, entertaining offense, coached the Suns from 2003-2008 and was named NBA Coach of the Year twice (2005, 2017). Together, they led the Suns to consistent playoff appearances and helped transform the team into one of the most exciting in the league.

  • Stoudemire and D'Antoni were inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on April 4, 2026, ahead of the NCAA Tournament semifinals in Indianapolis.
  • D'Antoni coached the Suns from 2003 to 2008.
  • Stoudemire played for the Suns from 2002 to 2010 before signing with the New York Knicks.

The players

Amar'e Stoudemire

A 6-time NBA All-Star (2005, 2007-2011) and 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year, Stoudemire averaged 21.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in his first 8 seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

Mike D'Antoni

A legendary NBA coach known for his up-tempo, entertaining offense, D'Antoni coached the Phoenix Suns from 2003 to 2008 and was named NBA Coach of the Year twice (2005, 2017).

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What they’re saying

“One of the bigger reasons I'm here is because of the man down there. So it's really special to be able to come in with Amar'e. He and Steve (Nash) and Shawn (Marion) and different guys on the team, we had a vision that the Colangelos and myself wanted a way to play, and then they carried it out.”

— Mike D'Antoni, NBA Coach

“Going into the Hall of Fame with Coach D'Antoni, the way he changed the game, not only for us but for the NBA, and allowing us to really be able to play our full game and reach our full potential.”

— Amar'e Stoudemire, NBA Player

What’s next

The formal induction ceremony for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class will take place on Saturday, September 6th in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The takeaway

Stoudemire and D'Antoni's induction into the Hall of Fame cements their legacy as a dynamic duo who transformed the Phoenix Suns into one of the most exciting teams in the NBA and helped pave the way for the league's current up-tempo, high-scoring style of play.