Amar'e Q&A: Miami, art, and the Heat getting hot

Have you seen the Heat lately? They've climbed the Eastern Conference standings over the past few weeks, and they are playing as well as anyone in the league right now. Of the most successful lineups in the NBA since the All-Star Break, two of the top five belong to Miami. One features younger stars like Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, and Hassan Whiteside. And the other is a crew of veterans—Stoudemire, Luol Deng, Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade, and the newly-signed Joe Johnson—all of whom were supposed to be washed up as recently as December. 

It's a pretty fun mix. I was among the many who doubted the Heat before the season, but with a combination of young players exceeding expectations and veterans refusing to disappear, things are clicking right now. 

Amar'e Stoudemire, now starting at center and baffling observers with his production, is as good of a symbol as any for what's happened with this Heat season. He's had knee injuries and countless surgeries that have derailed the second half of his career, but with Miami he's found a veteran role that fits him perfectly. He's one reason the Heat have been able to win without Chris Bosh, and he's helped tutor some of the younger players who've made this team dangerous

We caught up with Amar'e earlier this week, on a plane to New Orleans. That night, he had 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. That afternoon, we talked about the Heat's chemistry, Suns memories, art in Miami, Trainwreck and more.

Andrew Sharp: One of the best parts about watching the Heat recently has been seeing you pop up down there. After everything you've been through, it looks like you're in a good place in Miami. Are you at peace with how all this has played out?

Amar'e Stoudemire: "Yeah, you know what? It's been a great transition for me. Playing in Miami. We got great guys, they make the game so much easier. It's so much fun to be around these guys. I mean, to play with a team that has a chance to compete for a title, as a player that's what you want. It brings out the best of your ability. Your preparation has to be sharp, and that's what you want as a veteran. To be back in that fold again."