PHOENIX, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Amare Stoudemire, the NBA's 2002-03 Rookie of the Year, has a new contract with the Phoenix Suns.
"This decision was easy in that Amare has quickly established himself as a key part of our team's bright future, and he ranks among the NBA's best young talents," Suns President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo said after the contract was signed Wednesday.
Stoudemire, who turns 22 next month, has averaged 16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 47 percent shooting from the field in 137 games.
The 6-10, 245-pounder led the team with 20.6 points and nine rebounds a game last season. He also led the Suns in blocked shots, steals and shooting percentage while averaging nearly 37 minutes per contest.
The young forward was the team's first-round choice and the ninth overall pick in the 2002 draft. He became the first player in league history to win the rookie award after joining the NBA out of high school.
