Stat back?! If my Knicks make it past the Celtics (and they will) into the second round of the 2013 NBA playoffs, they could get more help in winning that title…Amar’e Stoudemire. Check out what he had to say about the possible return.
Via Ian Begley at ESPN:
Injured New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire believes that if his rehab progresses without a setback, he could return in the second round of the playoffs.
Stoudemire underwent surgery March 11 to clean up debris in his right knee. He last played March 7.
At the time of his surgery, the Knicks said Stoudemire was expected to miss four to six weeks.
Stoudemire was asked Tuesday about the possibility of returning in the second round of the playoffs.
“If everything goes great [with rehabilitation], then I’m willing to play,” Stoudemire said. “Sooner than later, hopefully, if everything continues to improve.”
Stoudemire hopes to begin running full speed by the end of the week. If his knee responds well, he will progress with his rehab.
“Everything’s on schedule for the most part. I’ve got to continue to get stronger, got to get back on the court, start moving around at full speed,” Stoudmire said. “… And if I can handle that, then we go up a notch, that’s great. Then I’m looking [forward to] hopefully playing soon. We’ll see.”
Of course, a second-round return for Stoudemire presumes the Knicks advance to the second round. They lead the Boston Celtics 2-0.
“If we continue to win, then that gives me more time to really heal up 100 percent,” Stoudemire said. “So that’s kind of the blessing that we have right now.”
(Story Continues…)
