By Kevin Nowins
Amare Stoudamire falls off the Top 20 Fantasy list, as the Phoenix Suns will be without their All-Star center for an estimated for months. Amare underwent microfracture surgery to repair the damage to his injured left knee on Tuesday, October 11th.
Stoudemire had been bothered by soreness in the knee for several months, and worsened it by playing on it last week in training camp. He consulted three different doctors when Dr. Thomas Carter detected the joint surface defect. Fortunately, the procedure was successful, but none-the-less, this is a crushing blow to the Phoenix Suns, because regardless of how important MVP Steve Nash is, Amare was the team's main part averaging 26 points last season, 30 points in the playoffs, and 37 in the series against the Spurs. And since the Suns also lost Q-Rich and Joe Johnson, Steve Nash and Shawn Marion will be the only returning starters from last year.
"It's out of our control, so we've got to go out and make the most of what we have and not worry about the piece we're missing," Nash said after Tuesday's practice. "We'll try to build our team and hopefully be a better team when he returns."
"Amare will be fine," coach D'Antoni said. "I fully expect him to be great when he comes back and wow the fans for 10 more years." Fantasy Owners can expect Stoudamire back after the All-Star Break baring any setbacks. Until then, look for Kurt Thomas to step up and post solid numbers in the absense of Amare. Also, this loss sky-rockets Shawn Marion's fantasy value.
Back To NBA Zone ||
Back To Home
