The Phoenix Suns have announced that they will be inducting NBA legends Shawn Marion and Amar’e Stoudemire into the prestigious Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season. The induction ceremony will celebrate the enduring impact both players have had on the team, the community, and the fans.
Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, expressed the significance of this honor, stating, “Shawn and Amar’e are two of the very best to ever wear a Phoenix Suns uniform… [they] helped define the Suns and inspired generations of fans, and our Suns family is incomplete without them in the Ring of Honor.”
The ceremonies to officially induct Marion and Stoudemire into the Ring of Honor will take place during separate Suns home games, with specific dates set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Shawn Marion, often referred to as “The Matrix,” played an essential role in the Suns’ legacy during his nine-year tenure from 1999 to 2008. His versatile game and remarkable statistics, including averages of 18.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, solidify his place in Suns history. Marion’s achievements include ranking fifth in franchise points, second in rebounds, second in steals, and third in blocks.
Amar’e Stoudemire, known as “S.T.A.T.,” made his mark on the Suns from 2002 to 2010. With an average of 21.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, Stoudemire’s electrifying playing style resonated with fans. He is recognized for his seven All-Star selections, and his name stands in the franchise’s record books for points, scoring average, rebounds, and blocks.
Both Marion and Stoudemire will witness their jersey numbers, No. 31 and No. 32 respectively, being retired as part of the Ring of Honor induction. Their numbers will join the ranks of other Suns legends whose jerseys have been retired.
The Phoenix Suns are set to reimagine the Ring of Honor as part of the new era of Suns basketball, with further details about this initiative expected to be revealed later this month. As the Suns move into a new phase, they remain committed to honoring their storied history and the players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise.