Knicks forward Amaré Stoudemire only played in 29 games last season due to knee injury. Now comes word via New York Daily News that over the summer, Amaré had another knee surgery to “clean up” one of his knees. This is the third surgery in a year for Stat. The Knicks haven’t announced the procedure but, Tuesday is media day for the team, where it’s certain to be addressed.
Stoudemire is entering the fourth season of a five-year, $100 million contract. Because of his previous knee problems, Stoudemire’s contract is not insured. Stoudemire’s former team, the Phoenix Suns, were advised by their medical staff that Stoudemire would be physically limited in the third year of his contract.
The Knicks still took a gamble on him. Phoenix has a great medical staff and reinvigorated several careers of players who were hampered by injury prior to their arrival with the Suns- Grant Hill and Vince Carter are just two names who received a boost from the training and medical staff in Phoenix. If the Suns weren’t confident they couldn’t keep Amaré durable…
With the option for Carmelo Anthony to opt out of his contract next summer, the pressure is on the Knicks to make things happen this season or risk losing their superstar via free agency in 2014. With two more years of Stoudemire’s monster contract still on the books, it will be interesting to see how the Knicks handle his health issues.
