Could New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire be in store for a big season? The injury-prone veteran indicated he feels healthy, like he's 19 years old again.
Knee injuries to Stoudemire hindered the tandem of him and Carmelo Anthony from ever realizing their full potential together. With a weak roster boasting only one true superstar this season, not many have high expectations for the Knicks. That could change, however, if Stoudemire regains the All-Star form he had with the Phoenix Suns that landed him a contract worth almost $100 million in New York.
Stoudemire indicated he felt healthy again, and because of that, the joy of playing basketball has returned, according to the New York Post.
"My joy is there. My love of the game is there," he told the Post. "I feel like I'm 19 again as far as how much I love to play the game of basketball. I feel youthful. To have that type of feeling again as I had my rookie year, to want to play and just want to be out there and get better as a player is pretty encouraging."
For Knicks fans, they should be encouraged about Stoudemire's health for two reasons: 1) he made his first start of the preseason Monday and finished with 14 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes, and 2) first-year coach Derek Fisher said the power forward wouldn't have his playing time restricted this season.
"Right now there aren't any minute restrictions, or he can only play the front of a back to back, or any of that," Fisher told reporters Sunday, via ESPN. "... So we're excited that we can go into the season with an open mind in that regard and it's worked well so far. The days we've had as recovery days for him, he's looked great coming back the next day and we think it's something that will work once the season starts."
This would be the first time in almost two years that Stoudemire would be playing on unrestricted minutes. He seemingly put in the work during the offseason to prepare his body (SEE: bathing in wine), and - if he stays healthy - could provide the team with another much-needed scorer.
He played last season under heavy minute restrictions, which make it hard for a player to get into a rhythm. Despite the restrictions, he still managed to finish with 11.9 points per game.
