Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire have not grown into the perfect tandem, but Anthony has grown to love Stoudemire for his sacrifices.
One day after coach Mike Woodson revealed Stoudemire is on a 30-minute cap the rest of the season, Anthony saluted the Knicks $100 million backup power forward for never once complaining or balking at Knicks management’s wishes. Stoudemire doesn’t start, doesn’t finish and doesn’t play 31 minutes.
“I said it from Day 1 — for a guy like that to accept this role, you got to take your hat off to him,’’ said Anthony, whose Knicks host the Warriors tonight. “A guy who’s been a starter for a long time, All-Star in this league, accomplished so much in the league, to have the injuries he’s had, and have to take that step back, I imagine it was tough for him to do that. We respect him for that. We got his back.’’
Stoudemire said yesterday he was “OK’’ with the decision, even though his new low-post game has become a weapon. He is shooting 56.9 percent from the field, with speculation a role expansion was in order, particularly in the playoffs. But Stoudemire trusts the Knicks’ medical staff, which made the decision along with general manager Glen Grunwald.
Woodson said yesterday the medical staff arrived at the idea as the Knicks try to protect their uninsured asset. If Stoudemire’s knee or back forces him to retire prematurely, the Knicks are on the hook because his contract is uninsured.
Ironically, ex-Knicks power forward David Lee, who made the 2013 All-Star team for the West and was shipped out to make room for Stoudemire’s contract, invades the Garden tonight.
“I look at it in the long run, the 30,’’ Woodson said. “If he’s talking about extending his career, it’s a great position to be in. Thirty minutes is the max. He knows that. A lot of things can be done in 30 minutes. I’m excited and happy. This can really prolong him, help him in the long run.’’
Stoudemire is averaging 13.7 points in 22.8 minutes. There is a sense among Knicks brass he also will be more efficient by playing in the 20-to-30 minute range. The coaching staff has been wary of having him finish because of his defense and potential to stunt Anthony. In fact, Woodson is trying to have Tyson Chandler play more with the second unit to cover up for Stoudemire’s defensive lapses.
The 30-minute decision is another way to make Stoudemire more viable for next season. After 2013-14, Stoudemire will be in his expiring contract year and easy to trade.
Woodson has been clear he will not lift Stoudemire into the starting lineup, mostly because Anthony has grown comfortable as the starting 4. But Woodson hinted Stoudemire, coming off his 9-of-10 outing Sunday vs. Philadelphia, may finish games now.
“If he comes off the bench, doesn’t mean he won’t be there at the end of the game,’’ Woodson said. “I think he’s accepting his role and been pretty good at it in terms of his play.’’
Where once Stoudemire may have been jealous of Anthony, he has been the good soldier in following orders, hoping this alignment leads to a title. The defining moment came Jan. 17 in London after his breakout game. A British journalist asked whose team it was, Anthony’s or Stoudemire’s, as the two sat on the podium.
“It’s Melo’s team,’’ Stoudemire said.
“I don’t know what the minutes restriction is, but he’s been critical for us, giving us that low-post presence,’’ Anthony said yesterday. “Someone we can give it to down there. It’s giving us another option to go to. He’s been doing very well at that.’’
Stoudemire, however, doesn’t buy his efficiency is greater with less minutes.
“I wouldn’t base it on minutes played,’’ Stoudemire said. “The more you play, the more chances you have to be more efficient. Playing smart basketball and repetition in practice, that’s where efficiency comes in.’’
Asked if he misses starting or finishing more, Stoudemire said, “As long as we’re winning. The coaching staff watches an ample amount of film. They understand how to win games. So I go off their call.’’
No comments:
Post a Comment