New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire was not ready for the start of this year’s playoffs because of a second knee surgery that cost him even more time during the regular season. Stoudemire was cleared to play by Game 3 of the second round series against the Pacers, questions just circled around how much Amar’e could help the team and what would his minutes be like.
As it turns out, his minutes weren’t plentiful as in Game 6 head coach Mike Woodson left Stoudemire on the bench for the entire second half. Something that according to the New York Post, Amar’e didn’t appreciate.
“We didn’t give it a chance,’’ Stoudemire said after the Knicks’ season ended in heartbreak in a 106-99 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. “We need to understand exactly what my style of play is and what I bring to the table. It’s something I have to sit down with Coach Woody and express to him.’’
With two years and $44 million left on his current contract, the Knicks need to make a decision regarding Amar’e and his future. Just seems to be a lot of money to only sit on the bench for the majority of his tenure in New York.
Then again, maybe Stoudemire’s playing time would be different if he showed the capability to stay healthy over a full season. I’m sure Mike Woodson had some apprehension playing the forward major minutes when he gets injured all the time.