NBA

Knicks’ Amar’e vows to regain dominance — just not yet

Amar’e Stoudemire talked big and bold about returning to his “dominant self’’ this season.

“Without a doubt. I’m on pace to return back to dominance,’’ Stoudemire said. “It’s a matter of becoming 100 percent. When I’m healthy, I feel I’ll be back to my dominant self.’’

After participating in his second practice with their D-League squad from Erie Thursday, Stoudemire still couldn’t put a finger on when he will strap on his goggles for real.

Stoudemire said he’s still not “100 percent’’ and not ready to return on the Knicks homestand ending Sunday against the Timberwolves.

Stoudemire said he still has “a little bit of soreness’’ in his left knee but felt smoother yesterday than Tuesday’s practice debut.

“I’m not quite ready yet,’’ Stoudemire said. “I’m taking a little more time to get 100 percent. Hopefully I’ll be back soon enough. I just know I need a little more time. I’m not totally there yet.

“I want to make sure I am 100 percent and so I can really give it my all. My goal is to return to my dominant self. That’s what I’m on pace to do.’’

Actually, the Eastern Conference-leading Knicks don’t need Stoudemire to dominate. They will need him to play good defense, rebound and score some buckets when Carmelo Anthony is on the bench.

Stoudemire said he doesn’t want to disrupt the team dynamic.

“Once I feel healthy and 100 percent everything else will fall into place,’’ Stoudemire said. “Coach Woodson has done a phenomenal job with the team. I definitely want to keep that momentum going.’’

Woodson, his coaching staff and Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald watched intently as the Erie Bayhawks scrimmaged at their Westchester compound. The intent was to get the ball to Stoudemire on the low block often. He scored on a dunk on one great spin move, dunked hard off a pick-and-roll and hit a low-post turnaround. He had one block on an Erie guard at the rim.

“I feel better than I did two days ago,’’ said Stoudemire, who added he needs more practice and conditioning. “I hope I feel better [today] and two days from now. I’m going to continue to try to get to 100 percent.’’

After this homestand, the Knicks embark on their three-game West Coast trip to face the Lakers on Christmas Day, Phoenix on Dec. 26 and finish up in Sacramento. The vibe around the Knicks is Stoudemire doesn’t want the pressure of debuting exactly on Christmas Day against Dwight Howard.

“The most important thing is we’re winning,’’ Stoudemire said. “That allows me to have more patience than if we were losing. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m getting better and better each day. I want to make sure I’m 100 percent. I’m not there yet, but should be there soon.’’

Stoudemire underwent left knee-debridement surgery Nov. 1 and a six-to-eight week timetable was set. Stoudemire ruptured a cyst in his left knee in his lone preseason action in Montreal Oct. 19. Stoudemire said the surgery wasn’t about cartilage wear and tear but cleaning cyst remnants.

Woodson said when Stoudemire’s ready he “will sit down and map up our strategy of where he is in terms of our team and how he’s going to help us continue our winning ways. That’s what it’s all about.’’

* Iman Shumpert (ACL) practiced limitedly, too, with Erie but just conditioning. He is not ready for scrimmages or contact. January is still Shumpert’s target.

* Steve Novak (flu) should return Friday night against the Bulls after missing his first game as a Knick. … Marcus Camby (plantar fasciitis) said earlier this week he was shooting for his return tonight but practiced only limitedly.