Amare Stoudemire has been sidelined all season with a knee injury but despite that the Knicks are having one of their best seasons ever with a 20-8 start.  For that reason the return of Stoudemire isn’t greatly anticipated by some but there are others excited for his comeback and they may soon get their wish.  Read more after the jump.

Shay Marie

The New York Knicks host the Portland Trail Blazers on New Years Day and Stoudemire told Al Iannazzone of Newsday that could be his return date.

Amar’e Stoudemire finally has a realistic target date for his season debut following knee surgery. He said Jan. 1, 2013 is “a possibility.” It’s the first time Stoudemire has used a specific date.

It’s been greatly debated about how Stoudemire will fit into the rotation once he returns.  Carmelo Anthony has thrived at the four spot and it’s been suggested that Stoudemire come off the bench.  Stat has said he has no issues with being a bench player and with the Knicks three point shot finally starting to stumble (31 percent in their last five games combined), they can use someone to attack the paint.  Hopefully Stoudemire’s lessons with Hakeem Olajuwon paid off.

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