Iman Shumpert’s season debut in London went a lot smoother than Amar’e Stoudemire’s rust-filled opener on New Year’s Day.
But the bigger test may come when the Knicks regroup for practice tomorrow to prepare for Shumpert’s second outing Monday against the neighboring Nets. Will Shumpert’s surgically repaired left knee be too sore for him to practice?
Shumpert had a day off yesterday to recover as the Knicks flew home, and today’s practice was canceled. Following Thursday night’s win, Shumpert reported no pain.
“I’m pretty optimistic,’’ he said. “They thought I’d have soreness weeks ago. I’m hoping I’m just different.’’
Shumpert is not sure how long he will be on a minutes restriction — a roughly 15-minute cap. But it probably will be in effect Monday, though he felt he could have played a lot more in London.
“I think I could’ve played more,’’ Shumpert said. “They have to ease me back in. That’s me being 22 and just wanting to play 48 minutes if you let me. Of course they’ll still ease me back in. … I was thinking about being tired so much, I overthought. I thought I would be much more tired.’’
Shumpert, a first-team All-Rookie last season, hasn’t lost his confidence, and the hope is he hasn’t lost his explosiveness. His health is considered a key to dethroning the Heat as the Knicks envision him as a LeBron James/Dwyane Wade defensive defensive stopper. Once he tore his ACL in Game 1 of their first-round series last April, the Knicks were toast.
“I think I add more pressure, defensively and offensively, attacking,’’ Shumpert said. “I feel I can guard the 1 to 3. At the other end, it’s a matchup problem — having my size and athleticism and speed can put [on] a lot of pressure.’’
***Stoudemire believes an NBA team one day will wind up in London. David Stern said it should happen in the next 20 years, taking the pressure off Adam Silver, his successor as commissioner.
“It would be awesome,’’ Stoudemire said. “I don’t know if I’ll still be around 20 years from now. It would be great to expand the brand globally.”
* Past midnight in London on Thursday, the Knicks learned it was official: Carmelo Anthony had earned a starting All-Star berth in the Eastern Conference frontcourt with James and Anthony’s sparring mate Kevin Garnett.
Coach Mike Woodson said he appreciates Anthony less for his scoring average (29.2, which ranked second in the NBA) and more for his smart play, passing out of double teams.
“Melo’s playing at a level this year that’s MVP type,’’ Woodson said. “He’s not going to be on the money every night he steps on the floor. But when the night goes on, Melo makes plays to help you win basketball games.’’
* For the second time in three years, Stoudemire will have an MSG employee appreciation day Monday. The Stoudemire Foundation will provide lunch for ushers, security and ticket-takers at the Garden before the Nets game.