The Knicks have decided rest is more important for Amar’e Stoudemire than “The Dream Shake’’ and wisdom of Hakeem Olajuwon.
Stoudemire will not return to the Olajuwon camp in Houston to work on his post moves again this month as had been planned, The Post has learned.
Stoudemire had planned to return to Texas to refine the post moves he learned last summer. That Olajuwon is about to be named to the Rockets staff as instructor for Dwight Howard and Omar Asik is not a factor in Stoudemire not attending.
According to a Rockets source, Houston is allowing Olajuwon to fulfill any of his prior commitments with opposing players this month before he exclusively works with Rockets big men. Hence, Stoudemire might never work with Olajuwon again.
Nevertheless, there’s still a chance forward Carmelo Anthony will fulfill his plans and work on his post moves with Olajuwon after being switched to power forward last season. But Amar’e will be a no-show.
Knicks doctors are treating their $100 million investment with heavy caution after two knee debridement surgeries last season marred his 2012-13 campaign, reducing him to 29 regular-season games. Stoudemire made his second comeback in the middle of the playoff’s second round and his rustiness hurt team chemistry in the Pacers’ debacle.
The Post reported exclusively Knicks medical director Lisa Callahan has discussed putting Stoudemire on a 20-minute restriction with the possibility of not playing in back-to-back games.
Knicks coach Mike Woodson said last month the plan was for Stoudemire this summer, but he never said Stoudemire wouldn’t make it to Olajuwon’s camp. It was Woodson’s idea last summer for Stoudemire to add a low-post element and work with the coach’s former Houston teammate.
Stoudemire has been touring Israel since mid-July, exploring his Jewish roots after coaching Canada in the Maccabiah Games .
“The main thing with Amar’e is we need him to rest,’’ Woodson said at the Las Vegas summer league. “Last summer, he put in a lot of time. He had some bad luck because he worked his butt off last summer. This summer we’ll rest him and make our push to get him ready for vet camp.”
Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald echoed the need for Stoudemire to slow down. Last October, he broke down in training camp.
“He really worked hard in last offseason, maybe too hard,’’ Grunwald said. “We need to pace him and have him ready for the season so when the real games and playoffs begin, he’s there for us. We’re hopefully a little smarter this year and understand where his body is at.’’
Grunwald added he still felt Stoudemire could play at a high level, even in his reduced role.
“Amar’e can definitely return to All-Star level play,’’ Grunwald said. “If we’re going to be a championship team, every player has to make some sacrifices and take the role that gives us the best chance to win. I’m not going to predict but Amar’e can certainly come back to All-Star status. He has the talent.’’
Olajuwon said he was looking forward to Stoudemire’s return to his camp because he was very enthusiastic pupil last August.
“He put in so much work, was excited and so confident,” Olajuwon said. “To see he didn’t get a chance to really show it, I felt very bad for him.’’
* Marc Cornstein, the agent for free-agent point guard Beno Udrih, told The Post five teams are still in the mix for his client’s services.
The Knicks appear long shots because they only have the $1.4 millon veteran’s minimum to offer.
“If he signs with the Knicks the reasons will not be because of the money,’’ Cornstein said. “It would be a disservice to say they’re long shots or favorites. He’s examining the situations.’’