Top PF going into 2012-2013, #9 Amar'e Stoudemire

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We continue our countdown of the top power forwards heading into the 2012-2013 season with Amar'e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks at #9. Now, Stoudemire is a player that gets and will continue to get mixed feelings from the basketball world. Last season he had his worse season as a pro since his rookie year. He averaged 17.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, on 48% from the field. Then came the playoff, and Amar'e's incident with the fire extinguisher. His playoff numbers were even worse: 15.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, on 55% shooting. Despite playing well below his standards, it is very difficult to find 10 power forwards with numbers as good as his.
There are several key problems when it comes to Stoudemire. The first is the league wide assumption that he cannot play with Carmelo Anthony. It is a valid argument, D'antoni system or not, before Melo got to New York Stoudemire was wrecking havoc in the league, but ever since Melo arrive he has not been the same. Another issue is his health, whether by his own fault or not, Stoudemire continues to find nagging injuries at the wrong times. He injured his back two playoffs ago against the Celtics in a meaningless warmup dunk, and this season we saw the fire extinguisher issue against the Heat. That being said we are talking about a 21.6 career PPG scorer and perennial All-Star.
Stoudemire is a 6-11 physical specimen, he has no post game and rarely would you see him get his points with a back to the basket move. He has a great jumpshot, and although he does not shoot the 3 with regularity he can knock the shot down. Take these two baskets here, and a couple of things jump at you. The first, is that Stoudemire has a very good form and quick release. Usually, big men who can shoot need time and space, but Amar'e is one of the elite bigs who can get his shot off quickly and with pressure. The second thing that jumps out at you is the readiness and easiness with which he takes the 3 point shot, he looks comfortable taking that shot.
Amar'e is also an elite athlete, he has an uncountable amount of poster dunks and a lethal first step. His upper body strength allows him to go through contact and finish. It is one of the most intriguing facets of Stoudemire's game, he has no post moves what so ever, and outside of his jumpshot he  simply muscles his way through defenders. Amar'e is also any point guard's dream teammate for the pick and roll game. He is a nightmare for defenses on the pick and roll and pop. He can either pop out and shoot the jumpshot or attack the rim with a very high chance of this happening.
Stoudemire could easily be higher on this list, and we expect him to be after next season. His problems on offense have a remedy, and even playing alongside Melo if he can stay healthy for a full season, he will no doubt have a better season than this year. Stoudemire's rise on this list also relies heavily on the Defensive end of the floor. He has never been known as a defensive player but with his height and athletic ability he should be able to play well above average defense. He is not an elite shot blocker and his one on one defense is suspect to say the least. Take this play, Stoudemire is picked on an inbound play and he does not show any interest in even trying to fight through the screen.
Amar'e is an elite player in the NBA, he will no doubt rebound from an abysmal year. With a training camp this season and a summer working with Olajuwon problems of starting the season out of shape will no longer be a factor. Even without becoming a better defender, (after all he has been in the league for 11 years now) he will rise on this list. We expect him to have a bounce back season offensively, but in order for him to really take a dramatic jump, he must become a better defender and combine that with his gifted offensive skills. If he does that, and learns how to play with Carmelo Anthony then get ready to see a lot more of Stoudemire come playoff time.
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