Injured Amar’e Stoudemire Needs Some Backup in NY

The Knicks are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, and their hurting star needs a bit of help. From the NY Post: “The Knicks specifically need a backup point guard and big man to allow Raymond Felton and ailing Amar’e Stoudemire additional rest. They both looked exhausted during the three straight losses to the Celtics, Heat and Cavaliers. Stoudemire’s health has become an issue. He’s playing with a sore neck that has limited his game, but not his minutes. Backup point guard Toney Douglas is fighting through his latest aliment, an undisclosed shoulder injury that is hurting his jump shot and making him less frenetic on the defensive end. Douglas, shooting 39.3 percent, hasn’t been truly healthy this season, and even played through a strained back the first two weeks. Some backup point guards who may be expendable include Orlando’s Jason Williams, Minnesota’s Sebastian Telfair, Cleveland’s Ramon Sessions and Utah’s Earl Watson. The Knicks could release still-rehabbing Kelenna Azubuike, whose contract expires after the season, to open up a roster spot and sign a player from the D-League or a free-agent veteran … With the Knicks (16-12) facing four rugged games to close out 2010 against Oklahoma City, Chicago, Miami and Orlando — the latter two on the road — [Donnie] Walsh wants to do something beyond dealing for [Carmelo] Anthony. Walsh said he would ‘evaluate’ the Knicks during this past week to see what they need.”