When the Knicks acquired all-star power forward Amar’e Stoudemire this summer they were expecting a ferocious, 6-11 beast with a habit of dunking on unsuspecting centers (bottom right). Although they still expect the same results, they couldn’t possibly have predicted that he’d be in Israel right now. Stoudemire has immersed himself in the Jewish culture ever since he discovered his Jewish roots on his mom’s side of the family a couple of months ago. His pilgrimage to Israel has reportedly included trips to sacred Temples across the country and a new Star of David tattoo on his hand (pictured below). He also claims to be learning Hebrew. I find his story very refreshing because it seems like individuality is missing in sports these days. Athletes embrace their roles as bumbling buffoons and rarely try to shed their millionaire images. Amar’e is embracing a new culture and I support him as long as he’s still a beast on the court. I’m happy he won’t be playing on the Olympic team because we don’t need another Antonio McDyess incident where he injures himself before playing a single game. Below is a link to one of “STAT’s” best dunks.

Amar’e Dunks on Anthony Tolliver (One of the most thunderous I’ve ever seen)