SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Knicks fans may be able to ring in the new year with “Sheeeed’’ chants.
Coach Mike Woodson said Rasheed Wallace is gearing up for his return also on New Year’s Day — along with Amar’e Stoudemire.
Wallace shed his walking boot and participated in the morning shootaround before last night’s 106-105 loss to the Kings. He should also practice tomorrow and Monday. Wallace hasn’t played since Dec. 13 versus the Lakers, missing his eighth straight game last night against the Kings, dealing with a sore left foot.
The Knicks have termed it a stress reaction and are being cautious that it doesn’t turn into a much-more severe stress fracture.
Wallace’s veteran minimum’s contract of $1.4 million also doesn’t become guaranteed until Jan. 5.
“I’m very antsy about it,’’ Wallace said in his first interview since going down. “Very antsy. Especially when we play big games like we did against the Lakers. Nail-biters against Phoenix the other night. It’s not up to me. It’s up to Doc [Lisa Callahan]She’s the professional looking at these type of things.’’
The Knicks have two practices before their next game against Portland.
“We’ll take him back home and have a couple of days to practice,’’ Woodson said. “After that, we’ll see where he is [Tuesday].’’
Wallace was a stabilizing force off the bench, adding size, defense and the occasional 3-point shot.
Wallace seems in only minor discomfort, saying it is all about the medical staff being cautious.
“I feel cool with it,’’ Wallace said. “Jump shot. Going up and down a bit. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I don’t get a lot of minutes anyway. So I can withstand the few minutes I do get. I’m cool with it.’’
* While Iman Shumpert will practice on a limited basis tomorrow (he’s not cleared for contact). Carmelo Anthony still sees him as being “three weeks away.’’
Shumpert has not had training camp and hasn’t played since April 28. Yesterday was the eight-month anniversary of his ACL tear in Miami. The Knicks gave a timetable of six to eight months for his return.
* The Nets’ Avery Johnson beat out Woodson for NBA coach of the month for November and now Johnson is out of a job after falling to .500.
Woodson is a candidate for the December award.
“I don’t wish what happened to Avery on anyone,’’ Woodson said. “It happens. He’ll pick up the pieces and land on his feet and eventually someone will give him the opportunity again to work.I’ve known Avery a long time. It’s the nature of our business and you have no control over it. I’ll call him and tell him to hang in ther”
* With the injuries to Raymond Felton and Anthony, it could open the door for Stoudemire to start when he makes his debut Tuesday.
“It’s based on where we are on the floor,’’ Woodson said. “He’s not going to play 30 minutes a game.’’
Woodson said Stoudemire will practice tomorrow and Monday. Asked if two team practices will be enough for Stoudemire, Woodson said: “We have no choice.’’
Stoudemire said last night a Jan. 1 return is a “close call” but not “definite.”
Stoudemire also said he needs to get approval from the medical staff before he can return to practice.