I realize over the course of the last couple seasons, I have been hyper-critical of Amar’e Stoudemire’s inability to play defense and rebound on consistent basis. I always perceived this inconsistency to simply be a product of lack of motivation or desire. However over the course of the last 20 games I am beginning to believe this wasn’t the case at all. Rather this inconsistency was a product of his teammates and the system that he plays in.

In the last 20 games, the Suns have gone 15-5 and are marching towards the playoffs after narrowly missing the playoffs last season. This begs the question, what has changed? Most ardent Suns’ fans already know the answer to this question. The change corresponds directly to the addition to the starting lineup of Robin Lopez. Lopez stands 7 feet tall and has hair reminiscent of the character “Sideshow Bob” from the popular animated series “The Simpsons”. Lopez’s game of late has been no sideshow however. His statistics seem somewhat pedestrian only averaging 8.2 points per game, along wit 4.7 rebounds and one block per game. However, what doesn’t show up in the stats is Lopez’s ability to alter shots and take up space inside. This is truly the first time in Amar’e's career where the Suns have had a legitimate low-post defender. Some people out there would point to Shaquille O’Neal, however by the time he arrived in the Valley of the Sun he was substantially past his prime.

The statistics for Stoudemire over the last 20 games don’t lie; he is averaging 26.8 points and 9.9 rebounds over this stretch of games. In addition, Stoudemire is playing excellent weak side help defense; blocking numerous shots that he couldn’t have in the past while he was matched up with opposing centers. I was skeptical early this season that Amar’e's legs would ever return. Although he was a consistent offensive player early in the season, it was evident that the explosiveness was not there as it had been in the past. Amar’e was missing dunks because he was not elevating enough. Now, 67 games into the season the explosiveness has fully returned. Stoudemire has been going to the hole with a purpose and when he misses, his second jump is quicker than anyone else on the court.

I was all for trading Amar’e Stoudemire at the trade deadline as his departure after the season appeared imminent. This still may be the case, however the Amar’e himself has said that he will remain a Sun if they hit his number. I strongly suggest that we do in fact hit that number even it is a maximum contract. Amar’e appears to have his head on straight and he certainly realizes that Steve Nash is pivotal to his status as an elite player in this league. The final determination on Stoudemire we likely occur after management has seen how far the Suns go in this year’s playoffs. If Amar’e continues to play like he has over the last 20 games he can carry this team on his back when the going gets tough in the playoffs. I am thoroughly convinced if someone is able to upset the Lakers, the Suns have a legitimate chance at the NBA finals. Without Stoudemire, we likely wouldn’t be in the playoffs. Hence my recantation to pay Amar’e what he wants.