What Do the Knicks Do When Stoudemire Returns?

Added by Stephen Zimkouski on November 23, 2012.

The New York  Knicks are playing great basketball right now, we all know that. The Knicks right now are a good team but when Amare Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert return, they could become a great team. The question now is how the Knicks should slide these pieces into their rotation. First, let’s start with Stoudemire.

Stoudemire is still one of the most talented and gifted power forwards in the NBA. Yes, his contract is ridiculous but that is said and done so now it comes down to what he can do on the court. Even with his contract, I think that the Knicks should have Stoudemire come off the bench when he first gets back to see how it works. Perhaps he should play in lineups when Carmelo Anthony is resting. I think it’s important to always have one of them on the court at all given times to provide the Knicks with a go-to scoring option.

Knicks Head Coach Mike Woodson will have tought decisions to make once Amare Stoudemire is ready for game action.

Anthony, while playing the power forward position, is playing the best basketball of his career while posting up more than he ever has before. Anthony is better at the power forward spot because there is more space on the court to operate and he provides a mismatch to the other teams defense. Now Amare at center while Carmelo plays the 4 could be an intriguing lineup offensively, while making the Knicks vulnerable on the defensive end and on the boards.

Iman Shumpert’s return is a little easier. I think that he should start and get a lot of minutes. Shumpert is the best defensive player on the team and one of the best on ball defenders in the league. He fits exactly what Mike Woodson is trying to do on the perimeter defense, contesting shots and forcing turnovers. A lineup with him and Jason Kidd in the backcourt along with Ronnie Brewer at the small forward could provide fits for the opposing teams ball handlers. It will be a while until either one returns but the Knicks look to be in good shape to continue winning games in the absence of two of their best players.