[ IMAGES: Images ON turn off | ACCOUNT: User Status is LOCKED why? ]

STAT ready for a bounce back season...I know we heard it b4....
Author Thread
holfresh
Posts: 38679
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 1/14/2006
Member: #1081

8/21/2012  1:42 PM    LAST EDITED: 8/21/2012  1:42 PM
STAT is a good dude and I'm hoping he bounces back strong this year.....


http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/


Amare Stoudemire called last season "probably the hardest" of his nine-year career.

And he's ready to put it behind him.

Stoudemire on Monday insisted that he is 100 percent healthy and looking forward to a big year in 2012-13.

"(Last season) was a tough year for me but ... now I feel phenomenal," Stoudemire said at a signing for his children's book. "I feel like this year is going to be a great year for myself and for the team."

Stoudemire struggled through most of last season, scoring just 17.5 points on 48 percent shooting, well below his career average. During the season, Stoudemire's older brother Hazell -- "my best friend," Stoudemire said -- died in a car accident.

Stoudemire gamely tried to return to form after the All-Star break. But that never materialized.

He missed nearly four weeks with a back injury late in the regular season. He returned in time for the playoffs but missed Game 3 with a hand laceration, the result of smacking a fire extinguisher in frustration after Game 2.

Said Stoudemire: "Last season was probably the hardest season I had in my career."

But he's ready to bounce back.

To that end, Stoudemire's been training -- sometimes two to three times per day -- for the past 2½ months.

The 29-year-old spent the last two weeks in Houston learning post moves from Hakeem Olajuwon. Last summer, don't forget, Stoudemire didn't get to play basketball because he was working back from a pulled back muscle.

The extra offseason work this summer seems to have revitalized Stoudemire, who is entering the third year of a five-year, $100 million deal.

"This is a totally different feel. Totally different workout regimen this summer. It's back to what I'm used to doing," Stoudemire said. "(Last summer), I couldn't play any basketball, have any contact, throughout the whole summer so I couldn't get in top shape. ... So this year is a totally different playing field. I feel phenomenal."

IMPROVED DEFENSE: Stoudemire vowed to improve on both ends of the floor this season. He is oft-critisized for a lack of intensity on defense.

"Obviously, defense is always the key to winning championships and that's something that I'm dedicated (to) also, to become a much better defensive player. And it's going to happen," Stoudemire said. "It's just a matter of preparation and practice and getting that chemistry down on that end of the court."

MORE SHOTS? Stoudemire averaged 13.9 shots last season -- his lowest total in the last five years.

He said on Monday that he's talked to Mike Woodson and, based on their conversations, he believes he'll be taking more shots this year.

"We need that offensive threat and also defensive stopping from me," Stoudemire said, in explaining Woodson's expectations for him. "So I'm pretty sure (Woodson) is going too put the ball in my hand more and I'm going too be ready to execute and play to the best of my ability."

ON THE BOOK: The first book of Stoudemire's children's book series, "STAT: Standing Tall and Talented", is titled "Home Court."

It's centered around an 11-year-old Stoudemire and his response to bullying.

"There's a lot of responsibilities in being a young teenager so the stories in the book relate to what they're going through as a youth," he said.

Stoudemire said one of his goals with the book is to "empower the youth to read."

"Being on the platform that I'm on, I wanted to find a way to educate the youth as best as possible and one of the avenues to do that is through reading. I think reading is very important for our youth and right now, it's almost as if it's not cool to read. And I want to change that mentality."

Stoudemire stayed at Barnes & Noble for more than two hours and signed nearly 350 books.

AUTOADVERT
holfresh
Posts: 38679
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 1/14/2006
Member: #1081

8/21/2012  1:49 PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/sports/basketball/knicks-amare-stoudemire-learns-from-hakeem-olajuwon.html?ref=sports

Amar’e Stoudemire arrived in New York on Monday with nothing but praise for the Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon after working with him for two weeks at Olajuwon’s ranch in Katy, Tex.

Barton Silverman/The New York Times

Stoudemire spent his time focused on post play, looking to improve his ability to score in the low post and become a stronger offensive force for the Knicks.

He called the results of his crash course with Olajuwon phenomenal. Knicks fans will have to wait until October’s training camp to see the benefits.

“I’m looking forward to showing my opponents my moves that I’ve been working with Hakeem,” said Stoudemire, who did not go into detail about what Olajuwon showed him. “There are so many moves I picked up from Hakeem.”

Mike Woodson wants to incorporate a more traditional inside-out approach on offense in his first full season as the coach, and to do that most effectively, he needs Stoudemire to be more of a threat in the low post. Woodson, a teammate of Olajuwon’s in Houston, helped put Stoudemire in touch with Olajuwon.

Stoudemire realized he had to elevate and expand his performance after a difficult 2011-12 campaign, on and off the court. He came into camp last year a bit out of shape. His older brother, Hazell, was killed in a car accident in February. He missed time toward the end of the lockout-shortened season with a bulging disk in his back.

“The hardest season I had in my career,” Stoudemire said. “It was a tough year for me.”

By the time the Knicks fought their way to a playoff spot, the frustration had reached a breaking point for Stoudemire, who cut his hand when he punched a glass fire-extinguisher cover after a Game 2 loss on the road to the Miami Heat.

“Falling short in the first round of the playoffs is not what I do,” he said. “I’ve built my career on going deep in the playoffs.”

Woodson’s offensive game plan is a change from Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced offense.

When Woodson took over for D’Antoni last March, the Knicks gave the ball — and essentially the offense — to Carmelo Anthony. When Stoudemire and Anthony are in the starting lineup, the Knicks have a losing record.

“It’s not the fact that me and Carmelo are not jelling,” said Stoudemire, who was in Manhattan promoting his children’s book “STAT: Home Court,” adding, “We are trying to build a championship-caliber team, and it takes a lot of changes to get to that point.”

Point guard Raymond Felton will be the person most responsible for getting Stoudemire the ball. Stoudemire knows Felton will look for him to run the pick-and-roll at times, but being in the post more should give him an advantage. But before he could work with Felton, Stoudemire knew he had his own work to do. He found a mentor in Olajuwon. The two talked a lot during their two weeks together. Olajuwon had messages for his student, although Stoudemire wanted to keep his teacher’s words to himself. Then, Stoudemire made sure he explained why he took his time with Olajuwon seriously.

“My motivation,” he said, “is to become a better player.”

OjilEye
Posts: 20671
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 6/26/2010
Member: #3017
USA
8/21/2012  3:27 PM
Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

smackeddog
Posts: 38390
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 3/30/2005
Member: #883
8/21/2012  3:36 PM
OjilEye wrote:Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

He's not all talk- he has a great work ethic, and is working out ridiculously hard this offseason. I'm really rooting for him, hopes he has a big bounce back season and all the hard work pays off.

mrKnickShot
Posts: 28157
Alba Posts: 16
Joined: 5/3/2011
Member: #3553

8/21/2012  3:37 PM    LAST EDITED: 8/21/2012  3:38 PM
smackeddog wrote:
OjilEye wrote:Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

He's not all talk- he has a great work ethic, and is working out ridiculously hard this offseason. I'm really rooting for him, hopes he has a big bounce back season and all the hard work pays off.

A "great work ethic"? Offensively or defensively?

I am rooting for him too - we shall see

NUPE
Posts: 21221
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 4/29/2012
Member: #4205

8/21/2012  3:41 PM
OjilEye wrote:Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

This is such a silly post. Amar'e totally beasted his first year in NY. He had a down year, "only" 18 and 8 last year. Almost every year prior to coming to NY Amar'e was absolutely AMAZING. This is not even disputable. So, I don't get or understand or agree with the assertion that Amar'e is all talk.

OjilEye
Posts: 20671
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 6/26/2010
Member: #3017
USA
8/21/2012  3:50 PM    LAST EDITED: 8/21/2012  3:51 PM
NUPE wrote:
OjilEye wrote:Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

This is such a silly post. Amar'e totally beasted his first year in NY. He had a down year, "only" 18 and 8 last year. Almost every year prior to coming to NY Amar'e was absolutely AMAZING. This is not even disputable. So, I don't get or understand or agree with the assertion that Amar'e is all talk.

Didn't Stoudemire emerge from the lockout at the start of the 2011 season assuring everyone how through rehabbing, his back was stronger than ever? What exactly, did that contribute to his game last year?

He's now guaranteeing he will be a much better defensive player but forgive me if I yawn at the familiar sight of Amare standing flat-footed in the paint or getting beat on back-door cuts all night.

smackeddog
Posts: 38390
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 3/30/2005
Member: #883
8/21/2012  3:51 PM
NUPE wrote:
OjilEye wrote:Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

This is such a silly post. Amar'e totally beasted his first year in NY. He had a down year, "only" 18 and 8 last year. Almost every year prior to coming to NY Amar'e was absolutely AMAZING. This is not even disputable. So, I don't get or understand or agree with the assertion that Amar'e is all talk.

Also, people forget, but the second half of the season before he came here, he was playing out of his mind- writers were saying he was one of the best players in the league. Shame one sub par season seems to negate a whole career with some people.

OjilEye
Posts: 20671
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 6/26/2010
Member: #3017
USA
8/21/2012  3:55 PM
smackeddog wrote:
NUPE wrote:
OjilEye wrote:Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

This is such a silly post. Amar'e totally beasted his first year in NY. He had a down year, "only" 18 and 8 last year. Almost every year prior to coming to NY Amar'e was absolutely AMAZING. This is not even disputable. So, I don't get or understand or agree with the assertion that Amar'e is all talk.

Also, people forget, but the second half of the season before he came here, he was playing out of his mind- writers were saying he was one of the best players in the league. Shame one sub par season seems to negate a whole career with some people.

I'm not saying STAT is a scrub. But he ain't no superstar. In his peak form, he is a one-way player, a powerful offensive threat who can finish off the PnR and shoot jumpers out from 20-feet. But he has NEver had a solid season defensively and his so-called "ball-handling improvements" from last year were laughable so don't give me that talk about negating his whole career. His highlight reel flourished under D'Antoni and Nash but this guy isn't getting any younger.

mrKnickShot
Posts: 28157
Alba Posts: 16
Joined: 5/3/2011
Member: #3553

8/21/2012  4:04 PM
smackeddog wrote:
NUPE wrote:
OjilEye wrote:Stoudemire has always been all talk. Talk talk talk.
We know he views himself as a superstar.
But he has never breached that threshold.

I'm in a let's-wait-and-see mentality regarding this new and defensively-improved STAT.

This is such a silly post. Amar'e totally beasted his first year in NY. He had a down year, "only" 18 and 8 last year. Almost every year prior to coming to NY Amar'e was absolutely AMAZING. This is not even disputable. So, I don't get or understand or agree with the assertion that Amar'e is all talk.

Also, people forget, but the second half of the season before he came here, he was playing out of his mind- writers were saying he was one of the best players in the league. Shame one sub par season seems to negate a whole career with some people.

How was he the second half of his first season here?

Why would PHX not offer more than 3 years?

Its all (or mostly) about his health. He ain't never gonna play defense but with Woody, at least he will try.

Knixkik
Posts: 35464
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #11
USA
8/21/2012  6:56 PM
We must give Stoudemire the benefit of the doubt, he had one bad year. He won't be a 25 and 8 player like last season, but doesn't need to be. No reason he won't be a 20/8 all-star again.
Vmart
Posts: 31800
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 5/23/2002
Member: #247
USA
8/21/2012  10:37 PM
There are times when a players play needs to do the talking and not the mouth.
tj23
Posts: 21851
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 4/20/2010
Member: #3119

8/22/2012  8:02 AM
I just want the scoring machine back. The explosive PF with that nasty jumper. If he improves defensively that's a bonus. I'm just hoping that this summer was enough to get back where he was in 2010.
holfresh
Posts: 38679
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 1/14/2006
Member: #1081

8/22/2012  8:11 AM
Much as everyone likes to put this on Melo...The next three years rides on Amare's health..His health will decide whether or not we can compete with the Heat...If he is healthy, this team will be balling in May and maybe June...If not, put on your helmets....
NUPE
Posts: 21221
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 4/29/2012
Member: #4205

8/22/2012  8:33 AM
Well, Amare put up 18 ppg last season without a jump shot. If he can get his jumpshot back on track then he should easily be able to get in the range of 22 ppg.
CashMoney
Posts: 23145
Alba Posts: 4
Joined: 1/15/2011
Member: #3374
USA
8/22/2012  9:40 AM
He showed flashes last year until the injury bug came back to bite him. If he's healthy watch out. If he's not we're screwed. Melo could average 30 a game and we're not going to win crap without Amare.
Blue & Orange 4 Life!
fishmike
Posts: 53856
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 7/19/2002
Member: #298
USA
8/22/2012  9:51 AM
hes garbage. He should be amnestied. Those deep playoff runs with the Suns imaginary. Being one of the best front court scorers in the league year after year, also imaginary.
coming to the Knicks and turning a 32 win lottery team into a playoff team.. also didnt happen.

When he gets a wax statue.. THEN he's a superstar!

"winning is more fun... then fun is fun" -Thibs
Vmart
Posts: 31800
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 5/23/2002
Member: #247
USA
8/22/2012  9:58 AM
fishmike wrote:hes garbage. He should be amnestied. Those deep playoff runs with the Suns imaginary. Being one of the best front court scorers in the league year after year, also imaginary.
coming to the Knicks and turning a 32 win lottery team into a playoff team.. also didnt happen.

When he gets a wax statue.. THEN he's a superstar!

Your such a hater.

mrKnickShot
Posts: 28157
Alba Posts: 16
Joined: 5/3/2011
Member: #3553

8/22/2012  11:27 AM
as long as he at least gives effort on the defensive end, I am content. No quitting.
Vmart
Posts: 31800
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 5/23/2002
Member: #247
USA
8/22/2012  11:50 AM
fishmike wrote:hes garbage. He should be amnestied. Those deep playoff runs with the Suns imaginary. Being one of the best front court scorers in the league year after year, also imaginary.
coming to the Knicks and turning a 32 win lottery team into a playoff team.. also didnt happen.

When he gets a wax statue.. THEN he's a superstar!

Made a lottery team into a playoff team you can't take that away from Amare but this is a different Amare, this is the bad back version not the one that came to the Knicks at first. Hopefully he can put the past season behind him and bad back or not play an effective role for the Knicks.

STAT ready for a bounce back season...I know we heard it b4....

©2001-2025 ultimateknicks.comm All rights reserved. About Us.
This site is not affiliated with the NY Knicks or the National Basketball Association in any way.
You may visit the official NY Knicks web site by clicking here.

All times (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time.

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy