You have to admire Amar’e Stoudemire’s publicists. They’ve been working tirelessly to promote him as a player in the art world. Last week, the New York Times obliged with a long puff piece on the retiring Knicks forward’s new role as art ambassador:

“There’s a community of guys, maybe two handfuls, that are starting to become art collectors and taking it serious,” Mr. Stoudemire said of N.B.A. players. “That’s where I come in, to educate the rest of my colleagues on art and the art world. I’m able to bring a certain swagger to art, whether it’s pop culture or sports or entertainment.”

And last week, he completed a deal to become a brand ambassador for Sotheby’s, where he will host dinners and act as a liaison to high net-worth athletes. […]

“He’s held in high esteem amongst other players in the league,” said Justise Winslow, a second-year small forward on the Heat who is a collector of street art. During the basketball season, the two discussed African art and analyzed pieces in hotel lobbies. […]

“It goes back to trusting who’s schooling you on art,” Mr. Stoudemire said. “My word and character is on the line. I want to keep that golden.”

Ex-N.B.A. Star Amar’e Stoudemire Rises as an Art Connoisseur (The New York Times)