From his early days in Phoenix to his MVP-caliber seasons and championship runs overseas, Amar’e Stoudemire’s journey has been anything but ordinary. He earned six All-Star nods, made the All-NBA teams five times, and had his No.32 jersey retired by the Suns. After hanging up his boots, he has continued to find new ground to thrive on.

Stoudemire recently teamed up with Grab1, which is a kosher-certified food and beverage brand dedicated to promoting active, healthy lifestyles. He spoke about the partnership in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports. That’s not all, though. He also revealed his GOAT and whether his former Knicks teammate, Carmelo Anthony, deserves to get his jersey retired by the franchise.

Editor’s note: The following one-on-one interview has been edited and condensed

Q: You have recently partnered with Grab1. What led to this partnership?

A: I’ve always looked for ways to connect with people through health, fitness, and lifestyle. Grab1, also a kosher lifestyle brand, shares that same commitment—helping athletes and everyday people fuel their bodies with clean, effective products. The partnership made sense because it’s not just about performance; it’s about overall wellness, and that’s been a huge focus for me after my playing career. Grab1 is the innovative kosher food and beverage brand carrying the highest level of kosher certification and dedicated to promoting active, healthy lifestyles. As Grab1’s brand partner, I plan to play a hands-on role in shaping the future of the brand. Together, Grab1 and I will collaborate on product development, bringing my expertise in fitness and wellness to create innovative offerings that expand the Kosher sports and fitness category.

Q: What separates Grab1 from everyone else?

A: Grab1 is rooted in authenticity. They’ve built their products around real science and real needs, not just trends. For me, that means I can stand behind the brand with confidence because I use the products myself. They’re transparent, high-quality, kosher, and made to support people who want to perform at their best, whether on the court, in the gym, or in everyday life. Grab1 offers a variety of fitness-focused products to fuel the body. Grab1 is a next-generation food and beverage brand on a mission to fuel health and fitness lifestyles. With a commitment to wellness, performance, and purpose, Grab1 is redefining what it means to nourish both body and soul. Find the complete line of Grab1 Whey Protein Powder, Grab1 Hydrate, and Grab1 Protein Bars on the Amazon storefront at amzn.to/4kWNRIS.

Q: The NBA has undergone significant changes since you last played. Do you wish it were more like when you used to play, or do you like the way the game is played now?

A: The league is always evolving, and that’s what makes the NBA so special. When I played, the game was more physical and the pace was different. Today, it’s faster, more spread out, and focused on three-point shooting. I appreciate both styles. I think the game today allows players to showcase incredible versatility, but I’ll always have love for the era I came up in.

Q: Your old Suns teammate, Steve Nash, now does a podcast with LeBron. Have you tuned in? What do you think of all these former players having podcasts now, and which is your favorite?

A: I’ve caught some of it, and it’s great to see Steve bring his perspective to fans in a new way. Former players having podcasts is a positive—guys get to share insights directly with the audience, unfiltered. I think “All the Smoke” does a great job, and Gilbert brings a lot of personality, but really, every show adds something different to the conversation.

Q: GOAT debate: Kobe? LeBron? MJ? Someone else?

A: That’s always the toughest debate. For me, it’s MJ—he set the standard for greatness. Kobe’s mentality and work ethic were unmatched, and LeBron’s longevity and all-around game are incredible. Each of them dominated in their own way, but if I had to pick one, it’s Jordan.

Q: Do you have a story about facing Kobe during your career?

A: Absolutely. Kobe was one of those guys who never took a day off. I remember games where he would come right at me just to test my toughness, even though I was a big man. His intensity was contagious—you couldn’t help but elevate your game when you faced him. Playing against Kobe was always a battle and always an honor.

Q: The Luka Doncic trade recently sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. What was your reaction to the trade?

A: The NBA is unpredictable, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. Luka is one of the best talents in the world, so any move involving him is going to shake the league. My reaction was the same as a lot of fans—surprise, curiosity, and excitement to see how it plays out.

Q: Who do you believe is the best player in the league today, and why?

A: Right now, I’d say Giannis and Jokic are at the top. Giannis because of his sheer dominance on both ends, and Jokic because of his unique skill set and ability to control the game as a center who passes like a point guard. Luka is right there, too. It depends on what style you prefer, but those guys are defining this era.

Q: You’ve played overseas and currently co-own Hapoel Jerusalem. What do you think of the NBA becoming more of an international game, and how do you think expansion overseas will work or won’t work?

A: Basketball is truly global now. The NBA being more international is a great thing—it brings more talent, more perspectives, and more fans to the game. Expansion overseas is possible, but it’s going to be a challenge with travel, scheduling, and logistics. Still, the demand is there. I’ve seen firsthand how passionate fans are internationally, so I think it’s only a matter of time before the NBA takes a bigger step in that direction.

Q: Carmelo Anthony was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame and now there’s talk of the Knicks retiring his jersey. Do you agree with the Knicks retiring his number? Walt Frazier seems to have pushed back on the idea.

A: Melo absolutely deserves that recognition. He gave everything to the Knicks, brought excitement back to Madison Square Garden, and had some of his best years there. Every era has its legends, and Melo is one of the most important Knicks of his generation. Retiring his jersey would be a fitting way to honor that.

Q: What do you think of the current Knicks roster? Can Jalen Brunson lead them to a title this upcoming season?

A: The Knicks have built a strong roster with a great mix of toughness and skill. Brunson has proven he’s a leader and can elevate his game in big moments. Can they win a title? Absolutely, if everything comes together. They’ll need health, consistency, and for their role players to step up, but Brunson has the talent and mentality to lead them deep into the playoffs.