NEW YORK (AP) – Amare Stoudemire isn’t done yet.
After retiring from the NBA on July 26, Stoudemire signed a two-year contract Monday to play for Israeli team Hapoel Jerusalem.
Stoudemire said the decision was very emotional for him and his family. The six-time NBA All-Star has visited Jerusalem on multiple occasions, but said getting the opportunity to play in Jerusalem will be a “spiritual journey.”
Shortly after signing a five-year, $100 million contract with the New York Knicks in the summer of 2010, Stoudemire traveled to Israel to explore what he believed might be “Hebrew roots” through his mother, Carrie. Stoudemire has a Star of David tattoo and knows multiple Hebrew phrases.
“My interests in playing in Israel, at this moment that dream has come true,” Stoudemire said. “I’m now able to play for Hapoel Jerusalem. A team that I’m looking forward to playing with.”