Suns.com: How is your summer going? Did you get a chance to take any time off after the season?

Amaré Stoudemire: A little bit. I took a little time off and enjoyed my family. I went to California for a while and relaxed on the beach. I went to Florida with my family for the Fourth. I’ve got a couple trips coming up in the next month, too. But the rest of this month and September, it’s strictly business.

Suns.com: What was it like going back to Florida?

Stoudemire: I’ll tell you what, I’m a lot more famous than I was before this season (laughs). I have a lot of fans out there and I appreciate the fans for the support. At times it’s tough because you have so many fans who are excited to see you in public. But it’s pretty fun for the most part.

Suns.com: How did your basketball camp go?

Stoudemire: It was a well-managed and successful camp on my part. We had guys come out. (Kings guard) Mike Bibby came out and talked to the kids. (Suns owner) Robert Sarver even came out and talked to the kids. Phil Weber came out and I was there every day participating – running up and down, officiating, coaching, the whole nine yards. It was fun. I was pretty much a referee and a coach at the same time. I’m going to try to do that every year. The kids are so excited to see me there as a player to look up to. Then, for me to be participating with them every day, playing around with them, teaching them, coaching them… They’re going to cherish that for the rest of their lives.

There were a couple of players that were pretty impressive. We had some great talent there. It’s fun to see because I saw guys that have improved since the first camp to this year’s camp and I’m pretty sure next year they’re going to get even better. Hopefully, we can help those guys, when they finish high school, to get scholarships, and go on to college and take it from there. The players are great students of the game and you can tell they want to get better.

Suns.com: You went to New York with Robert last month to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. What was that experience like for you?

Stoudemire: That is a $70 billion company right there. For me to be a part of that, to understand and learn the stock exchange that day, and also to ring the bell, that was huge for me. From a business standpoint I was able to see things, learn things and become more knowledgeable about business.

Suns.com: Robert said that you were one of the first people to invest in his company after it went public.

Stoudemire: A little bit, not too much. I’m not the type of guy to want to lose any money (laughs). I’m very observant as far as different companies like that, but I’m not really into it like that quite yet.

Suns.com: Talk about your relationship with Robert. It appears as if you guys get along great.

Stoudemire: Me and Robert are just about best of friends. We get along well. It’s just like that with him and every player on this team because he’s that type of guy. That’s the great thing about having an owner like Robert.

Suns.com: Have you talked with any of your teammates this offseason?

Stoudemire: I talked to Steve (Nash), I talked to Shawn (Marion), Steve Hunter, Jim Jackson. We all stay in touch and we’ve got a pretty good relationship. We talk about what we all have going on, what we’re doing. A couple of guys are tending to their off-court business, restaurants and things like that.

Suns.com: How do you look back on this past season at this point?

Stoudemire: I look at it as a tool. Every player has a box of tools and you’ve got to use those tools to fix what’s broken. That’s how I look at it. Last season was a learning process. It was a great season and postseason, but we do have some corrections to make and some areas to get better in.

Last year was a special year. It was incredible as far as the 62-win season, then making it to the playoffs and the Western Conference Finals. That was huge in only my third year. It’s something I’ll always cherish and it’s something I’ll always learn from.

Suns.com: Is there a moment or game that stands out most in your memory?

Stoudemire: Western Conference Finals and we’re facing elimination. Game 4 we were down 3-0 and I really put everything on the line. I did not want to lose that game and I did whatever it took to win it.

Everybody was saying there was no way we were going to win that game. We were down 3-0, we might as well just roll over and let them beat us? No, I’m not having it. I’m a basketball player and I’m a competitor. The way I played that game is how I want to play every game of the season and take it to the next level in the postseason.

Suns.com: What do you personally need to get better at?

Stoudemire: I’m just trying to become the "point-center" that a lot of people classify me as. That is pretty much every position on the court. I’m just trying to master the game of basketball itself. I’ve been working on everything. Defense you can’t really work on until an actual scrimmage game. But as far as everything else, I’ve been working on my left hand, right hand, jump hooks, ball-handling skills, moves off the dribble, and just watching film and studying the game.

Suns.com: What is the difference between the Amaré Stoudemire at the press conference following the 2002 NBA Draft and the Amaré Stoudemire of today?

Stoudemire: That day I wasn’t quite the leader yet. I was learning, watching guys like Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway, Googs (Tom Gugliotta) and Shawn Marion. I watched those guys and I learned from how they carried themselves on and off the court. I was straight out of high school and I’m very observant. I learned from my mistakes. Then, I was new to the game and eager to learn.

My second year I learned so much from my first year. Then I got injured, so we had a rough season, then last year they brought me in as the leader of the team. We went out and got Steve and a couple of other pick ups, and we went to the Western Conference Finals. This year, we went out and got Kurt Thomas. Now, it’s championship time.

Suns.com: What does being a leader on this team mean to you?

Stoudemire: I think I’ve prepared myself my first three years. I wasn’t the captain these first three years; I was an analyzer. I analyzed the captains and the leaders of this team. I watched those guys, and now I’m ready to step into that role and do a pretty good job at it.

I’m going to be more vocal and I’m going to lead by example. I’m going to do whatever it takes to be on time, and make all appointments and meetings that I can.

Suns.com: How does Nash’s leadership role fit into your concept of being a leader on the team, as well?

Stoudemire: I think with Steve, he came into this team knowing that I was one of the main leaders of the team. Once he came and had an incredible year, the world looked at him as the leader. Myself and Steve, we both pitch in, say a few words to the team and encourage the team, so I think there can be more than one leader.

Steve was in the league for 10 years and my third year was last year, so I’m still a student of the game. I learned from Steve and now I’m ready to be a leader. I’m a sponge. I learned so much my first three years to the point where now, there are a few things I need to learn more, but I’m ready to win a championship.

Suns.com: Has the success so early in your career ever seemed overwhelming at times?

Stoudemire: Not at all. My parents and my family, they cry a lot because they’re so emotional. From where we came from to where it is now, the sky’s the limit and it’s only going to get higher. I’m pretty much the backbone of my family and I’m just going to take it to high heights.

Suns.com: Switching topics, you mentioned Kurt Thomas. You actually went to the Suns and suggested they pursue him, right?

Stoudemire: I went to them and told them, “Let’s get Kurt,” not knowing what the process would have been or what the process was. But, we needed an inside player and I spent a lot of time thinking about which player would best fit this team that we’d be able to pick up. There weren’t too many players we could have picked up, but Kurt was one of the guys that was high on my list. He’s a great defensive player in the post and he’s able to knock down the 15-footer, the 18-footer. That’s what we need.

Suns.com: How about Raja Bell? What are your thoughts on his signing and what he brings to the team?

Stoudemire: Defense. He brings that defense right along with Kurt Thomas. That’s what we need; more defensive players, more defensive-minded guys that are not afraid to pick up a foul or two. When I become defensive-minded, I have a tendency to pick up small fouls and that holds me back sometimes on the defensive end. So, now that we’ve got some players that want to play defense, as well, now we can do some damage.

To bring in defensive players and practice against those defensive players, that will help us as a team to get better defensively. I look at them as great pick ups and I might get G.M. of the year (laughs).

Suns.com: Obviously, we have to ask you about Joe Johnson. What are your thoughts on him wanting to leave and play for Atlanta?

Stoudemire: We would like Joe to stay, but from what I’ve heard I don’t think he wants to.

Suns.com: There were rumors about a strained relationship between you two. Do you think there is any truth to that?

Stoudemire: From what I know, Joe’s always been a quiet guy, but we never really got into an argument. Everyone gets treated the same here with me and the staff, so I don’t really entertain that nonsense.

Suns.com: How would his departure affect the teams goals or chances to succeed this season?

Stoudemire: I don’t think it does too much. I think we’ve got quality players who can step up to the plate and make things happen for this team.

Suns.com: Suns President Bryan Colangelo has talked about wanting to sign you to a long-term extension. Without getting too specific, how are those negotiations going?

Stoudemire: Right now, I’m just focusing on my game and what it takes to win championships. Money’s not really an issue. I still have a shoe contract with Nike and I’m well paid, so I’m not really pressing for money right now. But I’m happy with the progress. I’m happy with the organization, with the things that are going on here. I haven’t had any problems. Everyone’s been treated the same from the leader to the 12th man. So, everything’s on the upscale from my standpoint.

Suns.com: Talk about your desire to stay in Phoenix long-term, and what it has meant to you to begin your career here.

Stoudemire: I think Phoenix really believed in me and knew what kind of player I would eventually become, because of my work ethic and determination. They were able to pick me up with the ninth pick (in the 2002 NBA Draft) and ever since then it’s been uphill.

Suns.com: The Suns published a coffee table book specifically for you, as sort of a recruiting piece, letting you know how much they appreciate you and have enjoyed watching you grow. What did you think when they presented you with that book, with your number emblazoned into the basketball leather cover?

Stoudemire: The book was nice. There was some pretty good work that went into that. They had "Then," "Now" and the "Future" (chapters), and it was pretty interesting. They had (photos of) me in Springfield at the Hall of Fame, then they had me with the MVP trophy, the Ring of Honor, so that was neat. It’s a motivation thing for me. Those are things that I’m striving for and those are my all-time goals. Once I reach those goals, that book will be something that I’ll look back on. Something that I’m going to cherish forever.

Suns.com: Last question and we'll let you get back to work. What are you looking for this coming year? What do you expect out of this team after the successes of last season?

Stoudemire: Nothing less than a championship. We can’t accept anything less, we can’t think about anything else but a championship. We’ve got to go for it all.

I hope everybody on the team is thinking the same way. We want to try to win every game that we can. Even though 82-0 may not be possible, it’s a goal. If we come up a little bit short, then you’re still in good shape. That’s the way I look at in basketball and in life.

A long, but good read. Good post DJ.

He's sounding like he made the call, well he got his wish. As long as that deal worked out well for us too, I'm happy for all parties involved.

Yeah I recall having read about Joe Johnson not liking Amare either. Sounds like he has a big fan club, growing by the day!

Didn't everyone make a big deal about Amare and Stef not getting along. It seems like Amare is the GM of the Suns.

Posted by Killa4luv:

You've gotta question how much a guy knows about basketball when he says these two sentences back to back.

This year, we went out and got Kurt Thomas. Now, it’s championship time.

i think that you have to remember that Amare could be the best player in the game next year, the most singular dominant player. They have complimentary talents. When you have 2-3 defensers converge on A, you have probably the best mid range jump shooting big in the game in KT AND he adds rebounding to compliment Marion and Stoudemire. I wouldnt be surprised to see KT averaging 14-15/9 48% with some monster games. In most cases, he was our main frontcourt guy, there he is just a component. That is where he was over-rated. He's not on the level of a frontcourt superstud, but he's the next tier down on both sides. He certainly doesnt help their size problems that much, but its better to play with two guys 6-9 240 than what they had, even though they were so fabulously successful--it was a style that is not really built for nBA playoff basketball. You need grinders, and Kurt is a skilled grinder.

I've been saying that ever since the trade. You don't have to get the absolute best player at every position and it doesn't matter how overrated KT was over here. People underappreciated him. It is a matter of KT complimenting that entire Suns lineup on both ends of the floor. He lets guys like Marion and Amare play their natural positions a little and people can make better rotations on the defense. If they somehow, someway keep Joe Johnson, then they are in better position to win the championship than they were last year, which is really good shape.

Posted by Killa4luv:

You've gotta question how much a guy knows about basketball when he says these two sentences back to back.

This year, we went out and got Kurt Thomas. Now, it’s championship time.

LOL! I gotta agree with that. I could see the Suns win differential from last season being something like negative twelve to fourteen

Posted by fishmike:

I fully believe KT is the kind of player that can achieve that for them. Same with Bell. Both are great role players in the league. KT is overrated as a starting center next to Sweetney or Othella Harrington. Next to Amare its a different story. Nazr is no different for SA. The difference is we dont have Duncan or Amare.

I gotta disagree Fish. KT will be exposed now on a nightly basis. KT's style is tailor fitted for the east. If you watched KT games against the west teams over the last couple of years his defense on the best big men has really fallen off. He won't be allow to lay his body on these guys. He has lost alot of lateral quickness too. Guys beat him off the dribble too easy as well. Like Shaq said coming east will add years back onto his career because it is a slower pace and more physical.

Posted by Pharzeone:

Posted by fishmike:

I fully believe KT is the kind of player that can achieve that for them. Same with Bell. Both are great role players in the league. KT is overrated as a starting center next to Sweetney or Othella Harrington. Next to Amare its a different story. Nazr is no different for SA. The difference is we dont have Duncan or Amare.

I gotta disagree Fish. KT will be exposed now on a nightly basis. KT's style is tailor fitted for the east. If you watched KT games against the west teams over the last couple of years his defense on the best big men has really fallen off. He won't be allow to lay his body on these guys. He has lost alot of lateral quickness too. Guys beat him off the dribble too easy as well. Like Shaq said coming east will add years back onto his career because it is a slower pace and more physical.

disagree. KT will always play against the less mobile of the PF/C opponent. KT did hold his own, as best you really can, against the likes of Duncan last year, and that's all PHO wants from the defensive end. A guy who can slow down the opponent. And then Amare can play off the ball on the weak side, blocking shots.

On the offensive end KT is a PERFECT fit for both Amare and Nash and IMHO will be scoring even more this year than last.

Maybe kurt surrounded by a better cast than in NY will do well?

THere will be many many factors that will contribute to the win-loss record beyond KT. Like Nash's health, Chemistry, and the Joe Johnson thing.

I think adding the 6th best rebounder, good post defender, and very reliable mid range shooter will contribute more than Q would have.

Q was under utilized in PHX. He changed his game to suit the style. I expect we will use him better than chucking up 3's! With Larry here, that would happen. It might have been KT would not have been traded under Larry.

Be it as it may, I expect both teams to better utilize these players! KT fought many battles in the orange and blue and I wish him well out west.

As the don said: "so long as our interests don't conflict, I wish you well in your future". SOmthing like that at least!