Amar’e Stoudemire looking forward to recovery from back injury, training camp – NBA Update
New York Knicks star power forward Amar’e Stoudemire made public his intention to set up a training camp once he fully recovers from his back injury. Stoudemire has been out of action for the whole summer and is only slowly getting back to full fitness.
In an interview, Stoudemire revealed that the injury that forced him out of the NBA playoffs is still not fully healed, but the forward was optimistic of his chances. Stoudemire was injured at the start of the New York Knicks first round playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics. Without Stoudemire on the team, the Knicks were swept by the ruthless Celts.
New York brought together Amar’e and Carmelo Anthony last season to form a super duo of sorts, around whom they intend to build the franchise.
Stoudemire was explosive for the Knicks during the regular season and Carmelo showed his immense talent against the Celtics, although he failed to guide the weakened team to single victory. However, hopes are high in the Madison Square Garden that once the two stars become more familiar with each other they can lead the Knicks to NBA World Championship glory.
For the moment though, Stoudemire is still resting, and revealed it would be sometime before he got onto the court again,
"Right now, all I can do is rest," Stoudemire said. "There's no rehab right now -- no cardio, no weightlifting, nothing. They say the best thing for me right now is another three weeks of rest, nothing else."
The star power forward also revealed his plans for a training camp. The NBA is currently in lockout mode and the NBA teams are barred from making any contact with the players. The players can also not use the facilities of their respective teams for training and rehab.
In light of the situation, Stoudemire has a plan to set up a training camp with his fellow players once he is cleared to play by the doctors. Stoudemire revealed that the players were serious about the training camp and were looking at different options for setting it up,
"There are a few other facilities in other parts of the country that we may look at," Stoudemire said, "but we definitely want to get in shape and be ready in time for the season. I have another three weeks until I do another assessment on my back, and then we go from there. I'm doing research on (basketball facilities in L.A.) now. I know UCLA is revamping its facilities. USC may be a good spot."
Stoudemire is in contact with his Knicks teammates, including Carmelo Anthony, and expects 7 to 10 of them to join the camp.
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