Mike D’Antoni: ‘I’m Hoping [Amar’e]’s the MVP This Year’

When Stoudemire signed with the Knicks this summer, he might’ve not immediately understood why everyone kept talking about the pressure to play in New York with such a huge contract. After his coach’s latest comments, he probably has a better idea now. The NY Daily News reports: “Mike D’Antoni believes that a rejuvenated Amar’e Stoudemire is poised to have an MVP-caliber season for the Knicks. ‘I’m hoping he’s the MVP this year,’ D’Antoni said. ‘That’s kind of what he should shoot for and I’m sure what he’s trying to be.’ Barring a deal for Carmelo Anthony between now and the February trading deadline, the Knicks will need a defining year from Stoudemire in order to become a playoff team. The perennial All-Star power forward is as close as you can get to a one-man gang in the NBA. He is surrounded by good to average pieces, which is nothing compared to the supporting casts around MVP candidates like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard.”