The New York Knicks have no time for injuries. However, despite being limited in the moves they could make in the offseason, the team has some depth to work with, especially at the power forward position. With Samuel Dalembert penciled in at the center position, there are four players battling for the starting power forward spot and injuries could really dictate who ends up in the starting five.
Head coach Derek Fisher announced that Andrea Bargnani could be out for the team's opening game against the Chicago Bulls due to a hamstring injury. This is the same injury that has limited him in the preseason as well. He will not play Wednesday against the Washington Wizards and has been on the court a grand total of just 19 minutes so far. He scored eight points while grabbing five rebounds prior to getting hurt. Now the Knicks must worry that this issue will linger deep into the season, putting a cramp on the triangle offense.
The Knicks need Bargnani no matter how many players they have at the power forward spot. New York was counting on Bargnani bouncing back this season after putting up a quiet 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds last year. His season was marred by trade rumors and unhappiness sitting on the bench. This year he was expected to be more involved considering the value of his contract.
With Bargnani out, Amar'e Stoudemire and Quincy Acy will likely push for the starting nod. If the preseason is any indication of the rotation Fisher plans to work with, Acy will be the starting power forward, meaning Stoudemire is reduced to the bench. The veteran has been adamant that he is healthy and feeling better than ever. After surviving offseason trades, Stoudemire needs a solid season if he is going to earn a decent contract either in New York or elsewhere come next offseason.
"My joy is there. My love of the game is there," said Stoudemire, via the New York Post. "I feel like I'm 19 again as far as how much I love to play the game of basketball. I feel youthful. To have that type of feeling again as I had my rookie year, to want to play and just want to be out there and get better as a player is pretty encouraging."
The Knicks could be forced to make some moves if Bargnani continues to be injured or Stoudemire is not as productive as he claims he will be. With plenty of salary cap space headed their way next offseason, the Knicks will not hesitate to try and work in one deal at the mid-season deadline.
