Amar’e Stoudemire Hopes to Return for the Playoffs


Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudmeire, who was averaging 14.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in 23 minutes per game before undergoing a right knee procedure in early March, says his rehab is right on schedule. In fact, the injury-laden big man hopes to return in time for the NBA Playoffs. Via ESPN.com: “‘There’s no timetable set on my return,’ he said during a conference call for an upcoming self-documentary. ‘Hopefully, I can return soon enough for the postseason. I’m gearing toward that, but I want to make sure I’m ready and 100 percent. … It’s only been two weeks since the procedure, so we’re still taking precautionary measures and just making sure everything heals up perfectly before we get too far ahead of ourselves.’ Stoudemire had a previous debridement this season — on his left knee in late October — and said the recovery is similar this time. A debridement is a form of arthroscopic surgery that removes debris. ‘It’s the same process, same focus, same determination from any procedure, any surgery, any recovery,’ he said. ‘Nothing’s going to change from that matter. Hopefully, I can be 100 percent by the postseason.’ Stoudemire said that although the latest injury occurred at an opportune time, he won’t return unless fully healthy. ‘It actually happened I think at the perfect time because it gives me a chance to have hope to return for the postseason,’ he said. ‘If I feel 100 percent by the postseason, then I should be ready for next season as well, but if not, then I’ll probably have to wait until next season.'”