Stoudemire mum on status of back injury

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Amar'e Stoudemire did some back-strengthening exercises while the Knicks shot around Thursday. But Stoudemire remained in "silent mode" about his return and how he's feeling.

Stoudemire hasn't spoken to the media about his health since leaving the Knicks' March 24 victory over the Pistons with what was diagnosed as a bulging disc in his back. He was asked the best-case scenario for his return.

"I'll keep you posted as I go along," Stoudemire said.

Stoudemire had an epidural shot in his back one week ago Thursday. The timetable for his return is two to four weeks from when he received the injection.

Got to dress for successMike Woodson is trying to get J.R. Smith to be more professional "on and off the court." On it, Woodson wants the volatile Smith to not have "that look on his face like the world is coming down on him" when things go badly. Off it, he wants Smith to dress differently.

"I told him I'm going to continue to coach him as long as I'm coaching the team," Woodson said. "I'm not going to let him off the hook. I want his shorts pulled up. I want him to look presentable, be a professional. That's what it's all about."

Offseason key for DavisBaron Davis' knee, hamstring, calf and back are bothering him, but he wants to finish out the season. With an offseason of training, he thinks he can return to his old form. Davis did little this past offseason because of a herniated disc in his back.

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"It's going to be an extremely important offseason for me as far as my conditioning and my training, basically being able to train again, do basketball drills and lift weights," he said. "I'm looking forward to all that.

"My game will come around once I'm able to lift weights and run up and down the court and work on my foot speed and my quickness."