Amar’e Stoudemire Cleared to Return to Practice


by Yaron Weitzman / @YaronWeitzman

The question as to what Knicks coach Mike Woodson will do with his lineup when Amar’e Stoudemire comes back on the floor will be answered soon.

Speaking to reporters prior to the Knicks’ Monday night game against the Rockets, Woodson said Stoudemire would practice with the Knicks’ D-League team on Wednesday (the Knicks aren’t scheduled to practice on Tuesday) and, assuming there are no setbacks, with the Knicks on Thursday. Woodson, however, was cautions about setting a timetable for Stoudemire’s full return to the court, saying he wanted to evaluate the 6-11 forward on a day-by-day basis.

“The practices have to go in his favor,” Woodson said. “I don’t want him coming to me after tomorrow’s practice and him say, ‘Coach I’m hurt and I’m sore.’ You’ve got to evaluate it and still take it a day at a time.

“I’m not going to rush him back. He’s got to be ready. I’m waiting on him to tell me he’s ready to go.”

Stoudemire hasn’t practiced since having surgery on his left knee in early November, though he has been doing individual drills before Knicks games with assistant coach LaSalle Thompson.

Woodson has also yet to say what he plans on doing with his lineup—specifically with Carmelo Anthony—once Stoudemire returns.