Begley: Amar'e Stoudemire is willing to come off the bench.

This report from Ian Begley arrived just after the final buzzer in Milwaukee last night. Begley-- who spoke to Amar'e Stoudemire himself the other night, but not on record about basketball stuff-- got word from "a source with knowledge of Amar'e's thinking" that the big man with the sad knees would be willing to accept a role change once he's healthy. Here's what the friend/associate/oracle of Amar'e's had to say:

"All he cares about right now is helping the team and winning," said one source, who has been around Stoudemire regularly in recent weeks. "He'd be fine with coming off the bench if that's what they want."

"He just wants to win," the source says. "He sees how well they're playing and just wants to help. He'll be fine with whatever they want to do."

Assuming the source knows what he or she is talking about (which I believe. Begley reports a tight beat.): Cool. Whether or not Mike Woodson wants to bring Amar'e off the bench remains to be seen. Whether or not that's best for the Knicks remains to be seen. And ultimately, what matters most is when and with whom Amar'e plays, whether or not those minutes come at tip-off.

No matter the outcome, it's swell of Amar'e to be broadcasting sentiments like these. I don't take him for a guy who'd want to rock the boat, and it seems like he's making that clear with a leak like this one. Looking forward to your return, O begoggled one.