Stoudemire averaged 17.5 points and 7.9 rebounds last season, missing 19 games. His scoring was his lowest for a full season since his rookie campaign and his rebounding was a career low. To that end, Stoudemire spent the summer working with all-time great Hakeem Olajuwon on refining his low-post moves.
Last season, Stoudemire missed 19 games due to a sprained ankle, a death in the family and a bulging disk in his back. He also punched a fire extinguisher encasement during the playoffs and missed one contest.
There is somewhat of an irony to Stoudemire’s latest injury. The Knicks spent the offseason adding veterans to contend for an NBA championship. Among those added were Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace, all of whom are at least 38 years old.
At 29, Stoudemire is one of seven players under 30 expected to be on the final roster. Shooting guards Iman Shumpert, Ronnie Brewer and J.R. Smith – all under 30 – also are sidelined with injuries.