Sources close to Amar’e Stoudemire and the New York Knicks have indicated that Stoudemire would be fine coming off the bench when he returns from a knee injury in approximately two weeks.

According to ESPN New York, one source said of Stoudemire: “All he cares about right now is helping the team and winning. He’d be fine with coming off the bench if that’s what they want.”

Knicks Nation can now breathe a collective sigh of relief, as their beloved team is off to their best start in recent memory. The one issue regarding the team is what Amar’e Stoudemire’s role will be once he returns, and many believe he would be better suited as the sixth man in Head Coach Mike Woodson’s scheme.

Last season, everyone saw that the Knicks possessed a lot of talent, but pairing Stoudemire with Carmelo Anthony didn’t mesh how the Knicks had hoped. Both thrive in isolation, and with starting center Tyson Chandler being the primary screener on the pick and roll, Stoudemire seemed to not fit well when on the floor with both Anthony and Chandler.

This is evident when taking into consideration the Knicks have a losing record when both Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony are on the floor.

Coming of a season in which he averaged 17.5 point per game, it seems only logical to delegate Stoudemire to the sixth man role so the excellent chemistry the Knicks have right now is not put in jeopardy.

Sources claim he has no issue with that: “He just wants to win. He sees how well they’re playing and just wants to help. He’ll be fine with whatever they want to do.”

If Amar’e Stoudemire can return and thrive off the bench, that will add yet another weapon to a Knicks group that looks like a legitimate contender so far in this young NBA season.

Duncan Steel | Elite.