The 2013-2014 NBA season is just around the corner, and with the Eastern Conference chock full of teams that loaded up on talent this offseason the New York Knicks could use a healthy Amar'e Stoudemire to provide an offensive complement to Carmelo Anthony and co.
The forward is often injured, however, rarely making thought a full season. He had "secret" surgery this offseason on his knee as well, and the organization has been hush-hush throughout training camp. The Knicks received good news over the weekend; Stoudemire was cleared for contact by doctors.
According to reports, Stoudemire took part in half-court drills, emerging unscathed, even after a collision with rookie swingman Tim Hardaway Jr. "I felt explosive. So we'll see how the progress continues," Stoudemire said.
The Knicks' goal for Amar'e is to have him back around Halloween, or the start of the season. His offense could be key in the early going as reigning Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery of his own. After he's ready to play, Smith will also have to serve a five-game suspension for a drug policy violation this offseason.
"If there's no setbacks we hope he'll be there for opening night," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. "We'll have some practice time prior to us opening and we'll scrimmage a lot more and try to hopefully tailor some minutes in the scrimmage that will carry over into the regular season. It's a day at a time."
Last season was a lost one for Stoudemire, who appeared in just 29 games and started none. He averaged 14.2 points per game, down from his career average of 21.3 while offering little in terms of rebounding (five per game) and even less on defense (less than one block a night).
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