Amar'e Stoudemire: 4 Reasons Knicks Star Should Avoid Playing Overseas

Normally, star athletes set trends we follow, but it’s not often that they succumb to peer pressure.

That is precisely what’s happened ever since New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams announced he will be vacationing in Turkey for a reported $5 million if the lockout prevents the NBA season from starting as scheduled.

Other notable players, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant, have also expressed interest in playing overseas.

Even New York’s own Amar’e Stoudemire has been at the center of the discussion. However, his response has not been as forthright.

Initially, Stoudemire took to Twitter roughly a week ago to profess his allegiance to the Knicks, insisting his basketball priorities remain in the States. But, by the time he hit the ESPN airwaves last Tuesday, Stoudemire was singing a different tune.

“It’s not a definite thing that I’m not going to sign overseas,” Stoudemire said on the Scott Van Pelt Show.

Stoudemire’s proclamation may not have been very straight forward, but in so many words, he’s spun 180 degrees on us.

While it’s Stoudemire’s right to choose what he does with his free time during the lockout, he seriously needs to consider how suiting up for an international team might not only affect him, but also those around him.

Due to the potential repercussions of playing on foreign soil, it is probably wisest for Stoudemire to follow his gut feeling and stay put. Second guessing himself could lead to more backlash than he bargained for.

Continue reading to find out why Stoudemire is better off at home.

Loyalty

Loyalty is a potent word no matter what the context.

By agreeing to a five-year, $100 million deal, Stoudemire is bound by more than just a signature on the dotted line. He owes it to James Dolan and the front office, the entire organization and—most of all—the fans to remain loyal to the New York Knicks for the duration of his contract.

An uninsured contract, based on past injuries, prevents Stoudemire from participating in summer basketball events unsanctioned by the NBA.

Shortly after signing with the Knicks, Stoudemire was forced to withdraw from Team USA, which competed last summer in the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Had nobody stood in his way, Stoudemire certainly would’ve tried his luck and played because the risk to represent his country was worth the reward.

Playing for the US National Team is difficult to oppose because it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the circumstances surrounding Stoudemire now are quite different.

Stoudemire is not going to gain anything by playing for a foreign team.

Yes, he’ll be paid rather handsomely, but is he really that desperate for money?

The competition overseas is inferior to what we’re accustomed to seeing within our own borders, so he won’t be elevating his game. Besides, Stoudemire has enough friends in the league to set up world-class scrimmages on his own turf.

About the only argument Stoudemire can make, and a poor one at that, is it’s a chance for him to become cultured and see the world—something no Knicks fan is going to accept.

Being devoted to the Knicks means Stoudemire must do everything in his power to keep himself out of harm’s way.

Imagine how the fans would feel if he severely injured himself while suited up for Maccabi Tel Aviv; many would never forgive him.

Stoudemire should eat, breathe and sleep Knicks, and his sole priority needs to be what he can do to win a trophy. Focusing on another team will only impede that goal.

If he’s still fluctuating, Stoudemire can refer to his tweet back on July 9:

Europe teams are calling, I think I'm going 2 stay here in the states. My loyalty is with the State of New York an the NYK's. Who's with me?

Before he talks about “loyalty,” maybe he should grab a dictionary and double-check its definition.

Injury Avoidance

Stoudemire has been nothing short of spectacular since he declared, “The Knicks are back.” On and off the court, he’s all a franchise can ask for in a leader.

Reader feedback tells me the majority of Knicks fans couldn’t agree more.

The better the Knicks become and the more they achieve, the closer Stoudemire ascends to legendary status.

But, let’s face it. He’s had his fair share of aches and pains, and the latest—a back injury suffered almost three months ago—hasn’t even healed yet.

Stoudemire’s legacy in New York could be tarnished forever if he is badly injured playing on another continent.

There’s a certain stigma associated with professional athletes who sustain offseason injuries. Even if Stoudemire is hurt playing hoops, the fact that it could happen while wearing something other than a Knickerbockers jersey is deplorable.

It’s one thing if Stoudemire suffers an injury but fully recovers in time for kickoff of the next NBA season. However, if the lockout is lifted and Stoudemire is unable to resume full-speed basketball activity, fans will turn on him. The relationship may even be irreparable.

A player cannot attain elite levels of success by being a pessimist. Constantly worrying about what’s the worst that can happen will eventually have a negative effect.

But, sometimes the noble decision is made by taking a step back and looking at the big picture before acting irrationally.

In this case, Stoudemire can still save himself from humiliation.

Public Perception

As I touched upon in the previous slide, Stoudemire’s approval rating has reached a record high.

Bringing a title back to New York is a lofty objective, but Stoudemire has put the Knicks on the fast track to achieve it.

At first, fans were skeptical of Stoudemire’s tall aspirations. However, he promptly silenced any critics as he guided the team to a 28-26 record prior to the Carmelo Anthony trade. That was one less total win than New York had the previous season.

A total of 1,674,995 fans spoke loud and clear in voting Stoudemire into a starting position at the 2011 All-Star Game, and his name popping up in MVP discussions was thoroughly justified.

Being a superstar athlete in New York isn’t just a full-time job. These players work overtime, and the fans love them for it.

As long as they’re completely dedicated to the team and give it their best effort every second of every game, fans will be appreciative. (Of course, a little winning mixed in goes a long way too.)

There’s a mutual respect that exists between New Yorkers and athletes representing the city. But, if a player breaks that code, they’ll turn on him like a rabid dog.

If Stoudemire signs with a club overseas in the midst of this stoppage, he essentially becomes a traitor.

All of the positivity surrounding him will go by the wayside, the media will ream him out and fans will feel betrayed.

Carmelo Anthony will become the favorite in town, and he’ll be the guy that will lead the Knicks to the promised land—not Stoudemire the villain.

Although Stoudemire might view playing for another country as an excellent means of preparation and training for the NBA season, the American public will likely perceive it as greed.

When you’re the recipient of a nine-figure guaranteed contract, and you’re contemplating going overseas for a few million extra, it doesn’t sit well with the common folk.

For every dollar Stoudemire makes over there, there will be about five people back home who despise him. Just some food for thought.

Personal Safety

In the post-9/11 era, travel security issues are an incessant cause for concern. Bin Laden may be dead, but the US and everything we stand for is still a target of terrorism.

It may sound preposterous, but high-profile American athletes living abroad could become marks for terrorists.

In American pop culture, NBA superstars are among the most idolized celebrities, and you can be sure news of any one of them joining an international team will even make waves in radical circles.

These rebels are completely aware of the magnitude the message of an assassination of a person of Stoudemire’s caliber would send.

When you’re regularly in the public eye, it’s unrealistic to live your life in fear. However, whether you’re famous or an average Joe, measures should be taken to ensure personal safety when journeying to an unfamiliar place.

To jeopardize your well-being for the love of a game (and the almighty dollar) seems absurd.