When Amar'e Stoudemire joined the New York Knicks back in 2010, the fanbase was ecstatic to have such a big star coming to town. He'd made four All-NBA teams, was named an All-Star five times, and he was one of the scariest big men to defend in the game during his time in Phoenix.

After an impressive initial campaign in the Big Apple in which he averaged 25.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, knee injuries began to sap his athleticism, which was key to his effectiveness. Gradually, Stoudemire's numbers dwindled over the past few years, and now he's out of the league.

Amar'e nearly won the MVP in 2010-11, narrowly losing out to a up-and-coming point guard named Derrick Rose. Like Stoudemire, Rose relied on his athletic ability to dominate his opponents on his way to the rim.

His potential seemed limitless until a freak ACL tear in his left knee sidelined him for the 2012 playoffs and the 2012-13 season. Knee problems have persisted, and like Amar'e, he has suffered for it.

Luckily, Rose is still relatively young, and while he's far from the MVP-caliber player that he used to be, Derrick managed to average 16.4 points and 4.7 assists last season.

While Rose isn't joining the Knicks with the same type of expectations that came Stoudemire's way, New Yorkers expect him to play a big role in the team's resurgence and potentially a playoff run.

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Amar'e was asked if he has any advice for Rose now that's he's starting fresh in New York. His response:

My advise to Derrick Rose is just to always keep basketball first. I mean, that’s what I did. I stepped into this role when I first got here and it was basketball first. Even though I indulged in the red wine baths and the broadway shows, the Met Operas, the fashion shows; I indulged in all these beautiful things that New York has to offer. But my main focus was basketball and giving my heart and soul to the Knicks organization, and that’s what I did.

Rose is already accustomed to playing in a big city in Chicago, so it should be a natural transition to that kind of environment. Still, he's from the Windy City, and has never played professional basketball away from home.

Hopefully, he'll be able to brush aside the distractions and excel with this new chapter of his career.