Stoudemire Has Quieted Doubts On His Return

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">HOUSTON - It?s been less than 10 months ? March 27 of last year ? since Amar? Stoudemire?s initial comeback attempt from microfracture left knee surgery ended with him limping off the court, scoreless, frustrated and fearing for his future, in New Jersey A second surgery was performed a week later on his right knee. His summer vacillated between fleeting thoughts of retiring and a rededication to his difficult rehabilitation. Training camp began with fingers crossed. Stoudemire was often stiff, sore and sitting. The Suns pushed ahead hoping that flashes of his dominating form might dovetail with a deep playoff run.

Turns out, Stoudemire will be along for the entire ride ? one that includes a 29-8 start for his team, a pair of double-digit winning streaks and the return to the NBA All-Star game next month in Las Vegas that he boldly predicted to rolling eyes over the summer.

Since going scoreless against New Orleans on Nov. 22, Stoudemire has scored in double figures in 27 straight games, pushed his average toward the 20-point mark, collected 21 double-doubles ? he had 27 of them in 2004-05, when he was a second team All-NBA selection ? and shown the kind of defensive improvement that was hoped for before he missed a year to injury.

Stoudemire reached another level in Monday?s 137-122 win over Memphis, hitting 15-of-21 shots from the field ? most on ferocious attacks on the basket ? and scoring 42 points, tying the third-highest output of his career in only 36 minutes.

?He?s just a beast,? Memphis coach Tony Barone said. ?He?s a monster inside. He?s aggressive, he has quick feet, he?s explosive ??

That description is music to the ears of team physician Dr. Tom Carter, the Suns? training staff and Stoudemire, who have been working toward those goals and now see the results. With Houston?s Yao Ming unable to fulfill his role as Western Conference starter at center due to a broken bone below his knee (he?ll miss his 13th straight game tonight against the Suns), Stoudemire is a solid choice to fill in.

?I don?t know if a player coming back from two knee surgeries in the same year has ever come back the next year to make the All-Star team. I?m definitely blessed,? said Stoudemire, who is now averaging 18.1 points and 9.1 rebounds a game. ?It shows me all the work the trainers and myself went through is paying off. Starting or coming off the bench, just the chance to be there would be a great honor.?</div>

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I've really been impressed with Amare's jumpshot this season. He's shooting with better mechanics, and has extended his range. I just hope he doesn't fall in love with his jumper and loses the drive to get to the rim. I love his dunks and power game, and we've seen too, many high flighers get lazy on offense once the develop a jumper.

Adding a jumpshot to his arsenal will extend Amare's playing career, and makes him even harder to defend. The Suns are going to be tough to defeat in a 7 game series because of Amare's presence. He gives them another option on the pick and roll along with Diaw. Last year in the playoffs, when Diaw struggled the Suns struggled, but now team's can't overload on Diaw with Amare back.

Fatigue is probably the only thing that will prevent the Suns from having post-season success.