I believe that STAT is able to go, but is using his back as an excuse right now. It's a bit harsh but think about it. He's been real active this summer traveling and making deals for his fashion line. We all know he was legitimately hurt, but all he's waiting for is medical clearance and since he's been talking so definitively about his get together with teammates I think he's just using the time to do more off the court things this summer before he has to shut all that down and prepare for the season. As long as he's medically unable to workout, he can use that to turn down anything he doesn't want to do. But as this bit of info brings out he has not qualms about a long flight overseas:
According to Newsday, Amare Stoudemire is still planning to go on his Nike-sponsored trip to China on Aug. 17. But Stoudemire's back continues to bother him, and he has not been cleared to resume basketball workouts. A long flight to Asia probably will not help.
Stoudemire also seems to want to get his Knicks teammates together and -- gasp -- play basketball. This unofficial Knicks minicamp could take place in Florida or California.
There was also a tweet that Billups is now cleared to workout. Just waiting on Melo and STAT.