Marc Berman's post on New York Knicks | Latest updates on Sulia

Amar'e Stoudemire hadn't come off the bench for a game since 2006. He said today his plan is to get back into the

starting lineup but only if it helps the club. "I’ve done it before,'' Stoudemire said of coming off the bench. "I came back from microfracture injury and I came off the bench for a few weeks, then I got back in rhythm and top shape and back to where I was before the injury. I expect to get back into top shape and where I was before. But again if we’re playing well, I have no problem coming off the bench.'' Obviously, Stoudemire prefers to start but he will not complain as long as they are winning. Isiah Thomas made the strong point that Stoudemire coming back in a reserve role would be no issue because of the team's stout record. Had the Knicks been a .500 team, well, then things might have been different. Good for Amar'e to not even hint at being concerned.