HoopsHype.com Rumors

Jared Zwerling: Felton on Amar'e: "He's great, he's working hard. ... If we can close this thing out & get on to 2nd round we'll be happy to have him back." Twitter @JaredZwerling

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Injuries 

Amar'e Stoudemire hasn't been cleared for contact practice yet, but Mike Woodson sounded as if it would happen in the coming days. Stoudemire, who had surgery on his right knee on March 11, had an intense workout with running and cutting Tuesday. He has said he would be ready to play in the second round of the playoffs. Woodson said if Stoudemire can get through some contact work he could play. Newsday

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

"Provided he doesn't have any setbacks, he's looking pretty good," Woodson said before Game 5 Wednesday night against the Celtics. "Contact, that's what he needs more than anything. If we can do that and there's no setbacks then we'll evaluate it and see where he is and maybe he can play. We'll see." Newsday

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Stoudemire hasn’t played since March 7 vs. Oklahoma City and has logged just 29 games this season in which the Knicks were only three games above .500. Stoudemire has yet to be officially cleared for contact, but that’s imminent. “He’s making progress,’’ Woodson said before last night’s horrible 92-86 Game 5 loss to the Celtics. “But he’s not ready to play in this series. Provided he doesn’t have any setbacks he’s looking pretty good. If we get this series [last night] we’ll have days to practice with him and give him an opportunity for contact. That’s what he needs more than anything. If we can do that, we’ll evaluate and see where he is and maybe he can play.’’ New York Post

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Tina Cervasio: ICYMI: What's in @Amare Stoudemire's folder? He's keeping Deflections, timeouts & charges for #Knicks staff. Says it keeps him engaged in game. Twitter @TinaCervasio

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Tommy Beer: Woodson on Amar'e: "He's making progress..." Sounds like STAT inching closer to return. Start of second round seems quite possible/probable. Twitter @TommyBeer

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Woodson reiterated that Amar’e Stoudemire (knee) “absolutely” will be reinserted into the rotation upon returning, possibly during the next round. Woodson and Tyson Chandler both dismissed the notion that the $100 million forward coming back might mess with the team’s chemistry. “No, the veteran leadership and the coaching of this team wouldn’t allow something like that. Amar’e is eager to play and I think he’s only going to help the team when he does come back,” Chandler said. “The great thing about when you’re out and your team is winning, it gives you some comfort. I went through the same thing when I was out...It just gives you a little sense of security that you can actually allow your body to heal.” New York Daily News

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

As expected as Lebron James rise to superstardom is, is just as unexpected as Lenny Cooke’s fall from the spotlight was. As a high school recruit Cooke was ranked above Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire by numerous analysts but says his own complacency lead to his eventual downfall. Now as his documentary, the Lenny Cooke Movie is being played at the Tribeca Film Festival Cooke gets to use his story to help young talented kids not repeat the same mistakes. Page 31 caught up with Lenny Cooke who broke down why he feels this story needs to be heard, his 2013 NBA Finals predictions, and his favorite moments of the film. Page 31

Miami Heat, New York Knicks, LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Lenny Cooke 

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." ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire 

Al Iannazzone: Amar'e Stoudemire said if everything goes "great" with him and the Knicks advance he could return in the second round. Twitter @Al_Iannazzone

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

The Knicks still can’t be sure when - if - Amar’e Stoudemire will be available in the playoffs following March knee surgery, but Mike Woodson is certain he will put the $100 million forward right back into the rotation upon his return. “Amar’e is going to always be a big piece of our team, that’s without a doubt,” Woodson said Sunday. “He’s progressing right along. When he’s going to play, I don’t know at this point.” New York Daily News

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries 

Al Iannazzone: On Amar'e playing, Woodson said, "I think it’s a matter of time. It’s not any time soon, but I think eventually he’ll be back." Twitter @Al_Iannazzone

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries 

New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson has all but ruled out Amar'e Stoudemire for the team's opening-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. "I think he's going to be out,'' Woodson said Thursday. "That's my gut." ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries 

Ian Begley: Amar'e hasn't completely ruled himself out of the 1st round. "Hopefully I'll be back on the court soon." He's started light running #Knicks Twitter

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Barbara Barker: Don't expect Amar'e in the first round, says Woodson. "I think he's going to be out. That's my gut." #KNICKS Twitter @meanbarb

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries 

Eleven years after they played in the Jordan Brand Classic at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire sat courtside at Barclays Center to watch the next generation of future NBA stars on display in the 2013 Jordan Classic. The two Knicks stars were joined by a star-studded group that included teammate J.R. Smith, C.C. Sabathia, Spike Lee, Worldwide Wes and Drake, who later performed a concert. Michael Jordan himself sat up in the stands, but was not allowed to meet the players because he’s an NBA owner and rules prohibit it. SheridanHoops

New York Knicks, Draft, Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, JR Smith, Andrew Wiggins 

Both Anthony and Stoudemire said they were impressed by Wiggins. “He’s good,” Stoudemire said. “He showed athleticism out there on the court. He showed great patience also. He’s going to be really good.” The injured Knicks star also said he was impressed by Walker, Randle and Parker. “Those guys, they’re great, man,” Stoudemire said. SheridanHoops

New York Knicks, Draft, Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Andrew Wiggins 

That Stoudemire is coaching rather than playing does not disappoint the Canadian organizers, who see his involvement as spurring interest in their team and in the international Maccabi sports movement. “It was a bit of a dream scenario to reach out to Amar’e because of his discovering his Jewish roots and his playing basketball,” Alex Brainis, the head of Maccabi Canada’s delegation, said. “We figured that if he said yes, this would be a big recruiting tool.” When offered the post, “Amar’e was nothing but enthusiastic,” Brainis said. New York Times

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Coaching 

Dore said he and Stoudemire spoke occasionally by phone and had exchanged text messages throughout this season. Stoudemire will attend the final training camp in Toronto in July before the team departs for Israel, Dore said. Canada’s first game there is scheduled for July 19, with its opponent not yet determined. While Stoudemire has not indicated that his future career plans include coaching, Dore, a native of Woodhaven, Queens, who will be coaching the Maccabiah team for the fifth time, thinks the experience may prove insightful. “What he’ll bring to the team is individual skill development,” Dore said, adding: “He’ll also be learning about himself, as to whether he wants to pursue a coaching career. This is his first go-round in coaching. It’ll be a great experience for him.” New York Times

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Coaching 

Though Amar’e Stoudemire wasn’t definitive whether he’ll make it back for the playoffs, Woodson sounded confident. Stoudemire had knee-debridement surgery March 11. The six-week timetable would have him back for Game 2 of the first-round series. “If anyone’s going to make it back, it’s Amar’e,’’ said Woodson, “I can promise you that.’’ Woodson said he could have done a better job on Stoudemire’s 30-minute restriction policy, but admits he had never dealt with such edicts. Stoudemire wasn’t the only one on restrictions. Iman Shumpert was on one coming back from his knee injury and Marcus Camby still is. “I never dealt with minutes restrictions,’’ Woodson said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done that. That’s a challenge, slotting guys in certain positions. I haven’t always been great at it.’’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire