Evolution is the name of the game for New York Knicks superstar and starting power forward Amar'e Stoudemire, who will have many eyes on him this season as he aims to bounce back from his offensive struggles on the court from last year.
Part of that comeback will involve the man known as "STAT"- or "Standing Tall and Talented"-developing a low-post game.
Stoudemire, who missed his team's first two preseason games with a bruised knee, is expected to play Friday when the Knicks (2-0) face off against the Toronto Raptors.
"We'll see how the game goes," Stoudemire told the New York Times Thursday. "Hopefully, the opportunity presents itself that you will see a few post moves."
Stoudemire, who has a career 21.6 points per game, struggled last year with injuries, finishing the regular season with 17.5 points per game before injuring his hand during a Game 2 loss to the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs-which the Knicks would lose in five games-by punching a glass-protected fire extinguisher.
During the off-season, Stoudemire, looking to upgrade his low post game, took a trip down to a ranch in Katy, Texas, where for two weeks and for around $200,000, he learned at the feet of one of the greatest low post scorers in NBA history-the Houston Rockets' legendary center Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon.
Olajuwon guided the Rockets to back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995-dominating all-time great centers such as the San Antonio Spurs' David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal and then-Knick legend Patrick Ewing while doing it-using dazzling footwork on low post moves such as the "Dream Shake."
Video footage of Olajawon and Stoudemire's workouts can be seen in this link, from the NBA's official web site.
Knicks coach Mike Woodson told Newsday that Stoudemire's development in the low post was critical to the Knicks' success this season as a veteran Knicks squad led by Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony look to become serious NBA title contenders.
"I've seen some of it; he's making some pretty nice moves in the low block," Woodson said of Stoudemire's new move set.
Injured J.R. Smith to Sit Out Three Games
For the next three preseason games, the Knicks will have to do without the sparkplug play of shooting guard J.R. Smith.
Smith, who did not practice Thursday, is expected to miss the upcoming three-game road trip with the Knicks due to an ankle injury, the New York Post reported Thursday.
The Post's Marc Berman reports that Smith was wearing a protective boot to shield what the team was calling a sore ankle, though Smith has referred to it as an Achilles injury.
Normally their backup shooting guard, Smith is expected to start for the Knicks this season as regular starter Iman Shumpert heals from a torn ACL.
The Post reports that Smith's injury leaves the team further weakened at the shooting guard slot, with reserve guard Ronnie Brewer still recovering from knee surgery he had in September.
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