Anytime you ask Amar’e Stoudemire about offense, he changes the subject to defense. It’s a refreshing reversal in priorities since making his season debut Jan. 1 — a rusty return in which he often found himself lost on the defensive end.
Since that night, Stoudemire has acted like a new man, according to team personnel. Stoudemire is the first to ask coach Mike Woodson questions during shootaround about defensive strategies, wanting to make sure he has it just right.
It still is a work in progress, but Stoudemire’s effort and dedication finally is there to be a two-way player. Woodson told Stoudemire his minutes will depend on his defensive prowess, especially since the club eventually will have back defensive stalwarts Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby by next month.
In London, Stoudemire finally looked the part on offense, too, with his 17 points in 20 minutes — on just five field-goal attempts. He hit a couple of mid-range jumpers, got to the foul line often and got to the basket without looking hesitant. Stoudemire now averages double figures on the season — 10.4 points in 20.8 minutes, shooting 45.6 percent.
“He’s starting to figure out some things and his conditioning is starting to come,’’ Woodson said. “He’ll continue to play positive minutes for us.’’
How many minutes is fluid. It is clear Woodson prefers Stoudemire to be a key bench component to allow Carmelo Anthony to continue his power-forward dominance. For two games, Stoudemire has been permitted by the medical staff to play up to 30 minutes, but Woodson has played him 20 and 23 minutes, respectively. The Knicks coach wants to see Stoudemire’s defense and rebounding continue to improve.
“I haven’t quite mastered it yet,” Stoudemire said of his defense. “Offensively, it’s coming. More experience more practice. My main goal is getting better defensively. That’s been my main focus. Offensively, I’m improving the more we play.”
Stoudemire has built up a lot of good will with Knicks fans across the past 2 1/2 seasons despite the injuries. They were patient with him depsite his shaky season debut and he draws a loud ovations when he first checks into games. The patience is starting to pay off.
“I’m ready, it’s been a progression,’’ Stoudemire said. “I’m gradually improving. Now being ready for 30 minutes, I can’t wait.”
Before the Nets face the Knicks tomorrow on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Stoudemire and his new pregnant wife, Alexis, are hosting a pregame lunch for ushers, security, ticket personnel and custodial staff.
* The Knicks canceled practice yesterday as they get over London jetlag. Their flight Friday to JFK was delayed because of inclement weather. … It hasn’t been decided if owner James Dolan’s microphones will be situated on the court tomorrow to record the conversations between Anthony and his Nets opponents. NBA commissioner David Stern gave his blessing, but the espionage act wasn’t the best publicity for the eccentric Knicks owner.