Stoudemire’s cannonball into the art world recalls the center-forward’s similar dive into the world of fashion. “In the beginning, there was a void between the NBA and fashion,” he says. “I was able to take on the fashion world, to create an understanding of fashion in the NBA.” He recalls that after he sat American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour courtside at Madison Square Garden, the two began sharing the front row of fashion shows. “I’m on the board of the Met Gala every year. I was able to intrigue my peers to also get involved in fashion; now you have Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Tyson Chandler, guys that are really taking on fashion.” He adds: “I see the same importance as far as the NBA and art.”

Rob Pruitt When infiltrating the art world, Stoudemire again played to his strengths. To purchase his first painting in 2012—one oficonic panda paintings—Stoudemire bypassed the usual gallery opening chitchat or fair fervor, inviting the artist courtside to a Knicks game. “After the game we became friends. He invited my family over to the studio. We painted, we talked, we had coffee,” says Stoudemire. “That’s when I bought my first painting from him. He actually gifted us a few more paintings which was great for us as a family,” he adds. (His oldest daughter is interested in art.)