My biggest criticism of Eddy Curry has always been that he doesn't love the game of basketball, treats it like work. What If Mike D'Antoni found a way to get big, chubby Curry excited about the game? His size would be an asset for this team if he actually embraced the game. If he willed himself to be in the type of physical endurance this offense requires.

Knicks' Curry close to return
ESPN.com news services

Knicks center Eddy Curry, who has not played this season because of a bruised right knee, said in an interview with the New York Post that he is close to returning to practice.

"I talked to [Coach Mike D'Antoni] a couple of times," Curry told the Post. "He really assured me he wants me to be part of what's going on and for me not to lose my concentration and stay in it mentally and keep trying to work hard so when I come back I'm not too far behind. I'm glad he's anticipating my return."

It appears to be a turnaround in attitude -- on the parts of both Curry and D'Antoni. Toward the end of the preseason, D'Antoni revealed he was not planning on using Curry in his regular rotation. Curry had missed most of training camp because of a bacterial infection, and D'Antoni had openly doubted Curry's efforts to get into playing shape.

Curry, 25, who had been surprised to find out he was not considered a part of D'Antoni's up-tempo, quick movement system, initially had struggled mentally while rehabilitating his sore knee. Curry had to have his knee drained after injuring it twice in the preseason, and tests showed that while there was no structural damage, there was a bone bruise.

But Monday, according to the Post, Curry completed a three-week rehab that included a weekly shot in his knee to reduce the pain. He might be able to do on-court drills on Christmas, when the Knicks return to practice, and rejoin the team in full practices in a week, the Post reported.

If all goes according to plan, Curry might make his season debut in two weeks.

"I'm excited, I'm ready to get back," Curry told the Post. "I'm definitely excited."

Last season, Curry averaged 13.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. During the preseason, he averaged 4.3 points and 2.5 boards in nearly 14 minutes. But with the trade of Zach Randolph, the Knicks need Curry's 7-foot presence.

"I talked to him and he said he wants to play. When he gets out there he'll be helpful to us," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3789815&type=story

INteresting for who?

when curry starts playing i will officially stop caring about this season until he is traded.

they're gonna play him so they can trade him. i think of all the rumors i've heard that charlotte diaw/pick for curry/lee thing has legs - just have to wait for curry to prove he's healthy and diaw's 60 days in charlotte to end.

Posted by EnySpree:

Posted by arkrud:

INteresting for who?

these nuts...

lololololol

Posted by EnySpree:

I would rather see more Jerome James....I'm not even joking. Get tJerome in shape and lets see him play.

You'd have a better chance of seeing Curry leading the league in blocks and rebounds.

Posted by crzymdups:

when curry starts playing i will officially stop caring about this season until he is traded.

This is not a good attitude to have. Lets hope that D'Antoni turns Curry around and plays like his 19-8 form. The Knicks need a center like it or not and when Curry is right he can be effective. Lets hope that he proves us wrong and becomes a player to be dealt with.

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by arkrud:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by arkrud:

INteresting for who?

maybe for no one else... I thought it was interesting Curry actually seemed like he wanted to play for a change

For some change it will be OK... but for his size of a contract and what we lost in trading for him... somebody should be shot

I agree... I am no Curry fan, I have to be up front about that. But what if he *does* care, for like two months and shows some of that potential again? Maybe Walsh can find a sucker that thinks Curry's finally got it

If Mike will be able to raise his value this will be fantastic.
He did this with Zack and Jamal.
If he will accomplish same with Eddy and Walsh will be able to move him... I will be convinced that they are genius.
I think Mike was hoping to raise value of Jeffries first but looks like he gets first hand that this is un-reparable trash now and will try with Eddy...

Posted by Silverfuel:

Good article. I want to see what Eddy can do with D'Antoni.

Same here. But not because I look at Eddy as a long term part of the team. I'd like to get rid of his contract so we can afford to sign Lee and Nate.

Posted by jrodmc:

Posted by EnySpree:

I would rather see more Jerome James....I'm not even joking. Get tJerome in shape and lets see him play.

You'd have a better chance of seeing Curry leading the league in blocks and rebounds.

Hmm.... that would be close. lol!

But I agree with Eny. Right now I'd rather play Jerome to give us 10 minutes with chances of blocking a shot.