Tuesday Knicks Training Camp Updates

Don't freak out, but Knicks training camp is pretty much over. Preseason starts TOMORROW with a game against the Celtics in Providence. A few links 'n' things from the day that was:

- First, some highlights from Monday's practice.

- A lot of the talkin' today was about Amar'e Stoudemire, and the tenor varied quite a bit. Following the revelation that Amar'e wouldn't even travel for the first three preseason games, Carmelo Anthony got as forthright about Amar'e's inconsistent health as I've ever seen from him:

Anthony said it's hard for him to see Stoudemire keep battling through and trying to come back from injuries. "It's just sad," Melo said.

— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) October 8, 2013

Melo on Amar'e: For me as a friend it's hard for me to sit back and act like it doesn't bother me because I know how hard of a worker he is.

— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) October 8, 2013

Melo on Amare: "To not have that chance to get a full season in & get a rhythm going with him, it’s not something I thought would happen."

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 8, 2013

Nothing to that, really. Just interesting. On the other hand, there was a simultaneous burst of Amar'e positvity. Jared Zwerling posted this video of Amar'e practicing, which isn't exactly thrilling, but he's moving around at a pretty normal halfcourt pace, so that's nice. And then Amar'e himself burst into the media workroom (not typically the place for interviews) and answered questions rather optimistically:

Stoudemire just entered press room. Said ramping up and could play final two preseason games if all goes well.

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) October 8, 2013

Amar'e says no one in the organization is pressuring him to play in the season opener, but his goal is to be on the floor at that point.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 8, 2013

More here and here. So, that's cool. I'm sure the Knicks aren't counting on Amar'e to return any time soon, but I'm happy he's feeling phenomenal. He sounded so unphenomenal at the beginning of camp.

Finally, the latest chapter in the Mike Woodson starting lineup mystery:

Woodson won't reveal Knicks starters - even for preseason game against depleted Celtics. But looks like Felton-Prigioni backcourt likely.

— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) October 8, 2013

!

Woodson said he will continue to experiment in preseason but his hope is to eventually pair Raymond Felton with a big SG in the backcourt.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 8, 2013

Woodson won't commiit to Shumpert starting tomorrow with Felton because just got back. Coach again mentioned J.R. as starting 2 down road.

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) October 8, 2013

Oh. Oh well, we'll see how the preseason goes. 24 HOURS.