The New York Knicks are set to get expensive forward Amar’e Stoudemire back sometime in the next few days. Barring any unforseen injuries to the Knicks current starters, ESPN New York is reporting that the team plans to utilize Stoudemire off the bench.
“It’s a fluid situation (because of injuries),” one source said. “But they want him to come off the bench to start.”
Reports suggest that the Knicks would like it to be apart of the permanent lineup and not just because Stoudemire is returning from injury.
It would help and allow Stoudemire to be the primary pick and roll player on the second unit, a role now served by Tyson Chandler.
Stoudemire and Melo struggle to form any type of fluid offensive chemistry when they are on the floor together, so it would also help negate any potential issues.
Stoudemire for his part suggest he’ll do whatever the team needs.
“It doesn’t matter. Whatever it takes to win. I’m totally open to it,” Stoudemire said earlier this month. “I’ve been here for three years now. You guys should know how much of a team player I am. I’ve played with a team in Phoenix that … was a team-oriented game, and the same applies here in New York.”