Mike Woodson said Amar’e Stoudemire will return to Knicks practice today and scrimmage with the club. However, he will not play tomorrow against the Heat as he continues to eye a return Wednesday against the Nets in Newark.
Woodson revealed yesterday Stoudemire had a contact scrimmage with a group of players during the Knicks’ “off day’’ Thursday at their practice facility. The Knicks host the Celtics on Tuesday and then face the Nets on the second night of a back-to-back. The Post reported in Thursday’s editions Stoudemire is eyeing a return against the Nets at the earliest. Stoudemire has not spoken to the media.
“He looked good, but until he and the doctors say they are ready to go, it’s still day-to-day,’’ Woodson said. “I’ll keep close eyes on him.”
Stoudemire was given a 2-to-4 week timetable from the day he received an epidural steroid injection on March 28. The Nets game would be three weeks.
Woodson said he would like Stoudemire to have a couple of practices, and today’s session and Monday’s session would make two.
Tyson Chandler has become a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and could be named to one of the three All-NBA teams. Ballots were sent out yesterday.
“It would mean an awful lot to me,’’ Chandler said of the award. “That was one of my goals coming into the season. I felt I put myself right in the thick of things for consideration. I personally feel like I deserve it. It would be a great honor.’’
Carmelo Anthony said he does not agree with Dwyane Wade’s assertion Team USA players should be paid to play in Summer Olympics in London.
Wade said “guys should be compensated’’ earlier this week before backtracking Thursday. Anthony and Wade will be teammates this July and August as Team USA vies for a second straight gold.
“I’ve been with the USA Team since I was 16 and I haven’t gotten paid yet,’’ Anthony said. “It’s been good to me. Everyone has their own opinion about it. If I get a check or not, I’ll still go play.’’
He said it was easy to find non-monetary motivation for the Olympics.
“Because I want to play,’’ Anthony said. “Especially this time around — to go over there and for us to try to redeem ourself and get that gold once again. It’s a big one. And it’s London. Who wouldn’t want to go to London?’’
Knicks teammate Tyson Chandler was named as one of the 18 finalists for a spot on Team USA. They will be joined by former Knicks coach and Team USA assistant Mike D’Antoni.
Before his backtrack, Wade was quoted as saying, “It’s a lot of things you do for the Olympics — a lot of jerseys you sell. We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated. Just like I think college players should be compensated as well. Unfortunately, it’s not there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it.”