New York Knicks in hot waters after losing Amar’e Stoudemire to a back injury – NBA Update
New York Knicks’ had been having a tumultuous season but it got even worst on Monday, after they learnt that they will be competing in the playoffs - if they do qualify - without star power forward Amar’e Stoudemire.
The big has suffered a bulging disk in his back and will be forced out indefinitely. The decision was taken after a detailed MRI. Knicks interim coach Mike Woodson said on Monday before the Knicks played the Milwaukee Bucks.
"You don't wish it on any player, especially Amar’e, who's a big part of what we do. All we can is just hope that it's not as serious as it may be and that he has a speedy recovery."
The 10th-year big man is currently in Miami receiving a second opinion but for now it is clear that he will not be having a surgery and the injury will be treated with rehabilitation.
Coach Woodson was in a sombre mood and his tone suggested that the fans will not see any more action from the forward.
“He’s got to keep his head up, and if he has to have surgery, he’s got to rehab and come back. He’s a young player, man. He’s got a lot of games still left in him. I just wish him nothing but the best.”
This injury came at the time when Stoudemire finally managed to get the hang of things under Woodson; the Knicks have won 7 of 8 matches in his era, including their latest on Monday against Milwaukee Bucks.
The veteran started all 43 games he played for New York this season and was averaging 17.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He suffered from a similar injury last year, which kept him out 3-of-4 games in the playoffs. With him
out, the Knicks couldn’t edge out the Boston Celtics and it is feared that they will be haunted by the same nightmare this season.
He is one of the most prized possessions of Knicks and awarding him a $100 million contract in 2010 is a testament for that. They knew about his history of knee injuries but the recent back problem is a watershed for them. Stoudemire
is the impetus behind their offense and it was concurred by the coach’s statement.
“He’s a big piece of our puzzle…we rely on Amare to do a lot of things for us.”
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