NYDN - Stoudemire, who spoke extensively to the media for the first time since he was injured, had left knee surgery on Oct. 31. The prognosis mapped out by the Knicks’ medical staff called for a 6-to-8 week recovery period, spurring speculation that he’d be back by Christmas — which remains a possibility. Just as he did before Monday’s loss to the Rockets, Mike Woodson didn’t rule out Stoudemire playing Friday against Chicago or Sunday against Minnesota. “I don’t know where everyone got that assumption that I’d be back Christmas Day,” Stoudemire said. “I never made that statement at all. I’m not totally sure if I’ll be back by then or not.” The six-time All-Star also attempted to diffuse any potential controversy that the rolling Knicks (18-6) will be better served with him coming off the bench once he returns. Carmelo Anthony, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury, was playing at an MVP level while primarily manning Stoudemire’s power-forward spot. “Whatever it takes to win, I’m totally open to it,” Stoudemire said. “I’ve been here for three years now; you guys should know how much of a team player I am. I’ve played with a team in Phoenix that was strictly about — it was a team-oriented game — and the same applies here in New York.”

Well, its not like anyone expected him to come out yesterday and say when he’s healthy he demands to start. But if he genuinely feels this way I guess its a good thing. The problem with Amare is that what he brings, at this point in his career, the Knicks already got. The Knicks already have offense coming out of their ears. Only so many shots to go around with Carmelo, JR Smith, Novak, Felton, etc etc. If Amare was a post presence banger, I’d welcome him back with open arms. If he was a rebounding force, plug him right back in and let him do what he does. If he was a defensive presence like Chandler, go for it. Like the minute Shumpert becomes healthy Woodson is gonna love throwing that defense in the mix. But Amare’s game has always been offensively oriented. Its why he never could coexist with Carmelo. This is like the 3rd or 4th time the Knicks have faced the notion of “Can they coexist?” and every time the answer is no.

Now I do think the Jason Kidd/Ray Felton tandem has done wonders from bringing out the best in everyone else on the floor? Yes. Maybe linking up with a legit point guard like Kidd can rekindle some of Amare’s glory days. But I’m just skeptical. He’s old, he’s injured, he needs the ball, and he’s gonna disrupt what they’ve got going. If I thought there’s a chance Amare returns to his 25 and 10 days, then I’m all for it. But I think we all know that ship has sailed and those days are gone. Give him some minutes like Rasheed gets and take it from there.