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July 06, 2016 |
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Bickley on Amaré: Awaking the giant

The NBA is growing up, buoyed by a new cluster of marquee stars. Kobe Bryant is the MVP, Dwyane Wade is the comeback kid, Chris Paul is the point guard for a new generation, Dwight Howard is Superman II, and LeBron James is about to take over the world.

As you might imagine, there's a guy in Phoenix feeling a little left out.

"They're definitely sleeping on me," Suns star Amaré Stoudemire said. "But that's nothing new, and I like it like this. I get to creep up on them and hit them when they're not expecting it."

Two games into the young season, the Suns are playing to decent reviews. Their road win Wednesday night against the Spurs was promising. Their 108-95 loss to the Hornets in their home opener Thursday night was a little ragged. But for those fearing these new Suns might be too old and too boring, Stoudemire quickly has provided a moment of fresh hope.

His fourth quarter against the Spurs in an opening-game victory was both dominant and effortless. His swooping dunk late in the game reminded veteran observers of former Suns great Connie Hawkins and reminded the Valley that there are few athletes in this city who can match his electricity.

He still is one of the best shows in town. And if this is the season that Stoudemire emerges as a legitimate MVP candidate, the Suns might yet contend for an even bigger trophy, the one that's eluded them for 40 years.

"We've seen him score 40 points in a game before, and all that," Suns assistant coach Alvin Gentry said. "But I think that (game against the Spurs) was one of the best games he's ever played for us."

Gentry was referring to Stoudemire's on-court demeanor, the way he controlled his fouls, the way he passed out of double teams and the way he let the game come to him. In sum, it spoke to a level of newfound maturity. And, really, it's about time.

Stoudemire is beginning his seventh year with the Suns, in a career temporarily derailed by knee surgery. Mike D'Antoni - the coach who preached offensive democracy and never fully exploited Stoudemire's overpowering offensive gifts - is gone. The addition of Robin Lopez should insulate him from taxing defensive matchups. There are no excuses left.

"I think we have a great chance to do something special here," Stoudemire said. "I know that what it takes to be the best is to become a great defensive player, and I'm on my way."

Yawn. We all have heard that before. Difference is, D'Antoni enabled the behavior by never confronting or challenging Stoudemire, and the feeling is new coach Terry Porter won't be afraid to engage or even enrage the Suns star. Over time, he might even become that father figure Stoudemire has never had in a head coach.

In NBA circles, Stoudemire is known to be high maintenance, unpredictable. In his brief career, he's worn two numbers and spelled his first name three ways. In the latest Suns media guide, Amaré is now Amar'e. I'm sure he has his reasons.

And though his decision to abstain from the Olympics probably was wise from a health standpoint, the bailout changed the way some viewed Stoudemire, his motivation and his character.

"He's not a great player," one member of Team USA's staff said in Beijing. "He makes great plays. There's a difference."

There's also time to change all of that, and for years, many of us wondered how much better the Suns would be if they just threw the ball to Stoudemire in the post a little more often. That very suggestion is what drove a wedge between D'Antoni and current general manager Steve Kerr in December.

Now we'll get our answer, and a clear idea of just how good Stoudemire wants to be.

Reach Bickley at dan.bickley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8253. Check out his online column at bickley.azcentral.com.

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