Former Phoenix Suns Star Amar’e Stoudemire Selected for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026

NBA star and Israeli league MVP Amar’e Stoudemire joins the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 alongside Candace Parker and Doc Rivers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 11:16 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from JTA and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

A Career Defined by Explosive Performance

Amar’e Stoudemire, the formidable forward who transitioned from a high school standout to an NBA force, has been officially selected for induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Stoudemire will join a distinguished group of inductees that includes Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers and WNBA legends Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne. The 43-year-old’s selection follows a 14-season NBA career where he earned the 2003 Rookie of the Year award and five All-NBA team selections. The official announcement of the class was made on April 4, 2026, with the formal enshrinement ceremony scheduled for August 14 at Springfield Symphony Hall.

Dominance Across Two Continents

Stoudemire’s legacy is uniquely split between his high-octane years with the Phoenix Suns and his later success in Israel. During his eight seasons in Phoenix, he became a centerpiece of the "Seven Seconds or Less" offense, leading the franchise to multiple deep playoff runs. The Suns retired his No. 32 jersey in 2024 to honor his contributions to the organization. Following his NBA retirement, Stoudemire continued his career in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, where he secured two championships and was named the Finals MVP in 2020. His impact on the international game was previously recognized in 2025 when he was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

A Deepening Spiritual and Cultural Connection

In the years following his peak athletic performance, Stoudemire became widely known for his profound personal transformation and formal conversion to Judaism in 2020. Adopting the name Yahoshafat Ben Avraham, he has been a vocal advocate for his faith, frequently sharing his studies of the Talmud and Jewish texts with his followers on social media. His commitment to Jewish life led him to leave an assistant coaching position with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, citing a desire to maintain strict Shabbat observance. Stoudemire has also integrated his heritage into his business ventures, launching a successful line of kosher wines and coaching at the Maccabiah Games.