2021 NBA First Round Pick Is Already The Same Age As Amar'e Stoudemire Was In His 5th Season With The Phoenix Suns

Chris Duarte (rookie for the Indiana Pacers) is already 24 years old, which is the same age as Amar'e Stoudemire was when he was already in his fifth season in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns.

Chris Duarte was drafted 13th overall out of the University of Oregon in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. 

Who was more excited for draft night: The Pacers' No. 13 pick Chris Duarte or his son Chris Jr.? pic.twitter.com/cpGDQ5Fwoa

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 30, 2021

He played two seasons at Oregon after transferring from Northwest Florida State. 

At 24 years old, he is a uniquely older lottery draft pick. 

A lot of players in the top-15 picks are usually 19 or 20 years old. 

Duarte's age can be put in perspective by looking at former players or current veterans who were his age and already deep into their careers. 

Amar'e Stoudemire, who was a 6x NBA All-Star, was drafted by the Phoenix Suns out of high school in 2002. 

OTD IN 2002: Yao Ming was selected number one overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Draft.

7. Nene Hilario NYK
9. Amar’e Stoudemire PHO
10. Caron Butler MIA
23. Tayshaun Prince DET
35. Carlos Boozer CLE pic.twitter.com/GtRu5EDCcm

— Sports Fellas (@TheSportsFellas) June 26, 2020

Stoudemire was already in his fifth season in the NBA when he was 24 years old. 

Related stories on NBA basketball

• Enes Kanter And Myles Turner Get The Same 2k Ranking: Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers got the same rating in NBA 2k22 as Enes Kanter of the Boston Celtics. The two centers getting the same ranking comes as a surprise. Turner is one of the best defenders in the NBA, and while Kanter had a productive season, he is not on the same level as Turner. CLICK HERE.
• Could The Pacers Really Bring Back Lance?: Lance Stephenson has worked out for NBA teams recently, and it appears as if he is trying to make a return to the NBA. One report says the Indiana Pacers could look to bring him back. CLICK HERE.
• NBA Central Division Notebook: NBA 2k22 gave Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors the same ranking (96 overall) as Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Even though Antetokounmpo just won the NBA Finals MVP, is he actually a better player than Curry? CLICK HERE.