Ex-N.B.A. Star Amar’e Stoudemire Rises as an Art Connoisseur

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More recently, he has appeared in films (including Amy Schumer’s 2015 comedy “Trainwreck”), co-written a kosher cookbook after declaring himself “culturally Jewish” and purchased a 185-acre cattle farm in Hyde Park, N.Y.

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But his most ambitious endeavor may be as an art curator and dealer. Already an avid collector, with works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and other blue-chip artists in his personal stash, Mr. Stoudemire now hopes to parlay his reputation as a cultural tastemaker into art-world clout. His plan is to act as a conduit between emerging artists and professional athletes with wads of disposable income. He has advised former Miami Heat teammates like Udonis Haslem and Justise Winslow on their collections. The actress Gabrielle Union called when she was looking for a piece to give her husband, Dwyane Wade. Chandler Parsons of the Memphis Grizzlies reached out to inquire about pieces he spotted on Mr. Stoudemire’s Instagram feed. “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.”

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Mr. Stoudemire’s collection, which he has named the Melech Collection (meaning “king” in Hebrew), now includes around 70 works. It is largely composed of ’80s pop art, street art and works by contemporary artists like Eddie Martinez and Bradley Theodore, who gave Mr. Stoudemire a “Black Jesus” painting at his retirement party in August. “I buy from friends who are artists or from word of mouth,” Mr. Stoudemire said, describing his taste as “positive vibes.” He has a growing interest in classical European art, but is less comfortable with abstract art. “Paintings that look very simple, I haven’t really gotten into that yet,” he said, smiling. “It’s tough. You’re not sure. It seems like you can do it, anyone can create that painting.”

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