Amar'e says he 'needed' Carmelo
The Knicks' Amar'e Stoudemire smiles during a news conference at the Knicks' practice facility in Greenburgh, N.Y. as he answers questions concerning his team's trade for Nuggets superstar Carmelo. (Feb. 22, 2011) Credit: AP
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - Amar'e Stoudemire had always envisioned transforming Madison Square Garden into a venue big-name talent wanted to play in again.
And now his dream is being realized.
With the expected trade for Denver's Carmelo Anthony set to be completed Tuesday, Stoudemire said he has the "1-1A punch" every team needs.
Though disappointed by the departure of his former teammates - guys you "tend to love" as family - Stoudemire told reporters he believes the deal for Anthony was a "good move."
"We've gotten better," he said, addressing media from a conference table in the Knicks' practice facility.
The deal involving 12 players and three teams, which is expected to be league-approved later today, will send Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks' 2014 first-round pick, and a pair of future second-round picks to Denver for Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, former Knick Renaldo Balkman and Anthony Carter.
Minnesota agreed to take Eddy Curry's expiring contract along with Anthony Randolph from the Knicks and send Corey Brewer to the Knicks. The Timberwolves also get $3 million from the Knicks.
It was the Boston Celtics who first planted the seed of big-name player packages when they traded for Kevin Garnett after Ray Allen, Stoudemire said. The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat soon followed suit - and now, so are the Knicks.
"I think they know now it's starting to get harder and harder in the East," Stoudemire said of the Heat. "The East is pretty stacked."
Asked if he had spoken to New Orleans guard Chris Paul, a free agent in 2012, Stoudemire smiled and said, "Nah, I haven't talked to him" and explained that 2012 was a long way away.
In the meantime, he expects him and Anthony to be a tough combo to beat.
"That's what you need," Stoudemire said of having another go-to guy. "That's what I needed in Phoenix. You bring in Steve Nash . . . We built a championship-caliber team . . . Here in New York, we're doing the same thing."
Stoudemire expressed little concern over the roster overhaul.
"With the team we have now, we just have to figure it out," Stoudemire said. "Take it one step at a time."
Stoudemire also praised Billups' leadership and skill set, highlighting the Denver native's 44.1 shooting percentage from three-point range.
"Right now we're confident and we like out chances," he said.
Team president Donnie Walsh is expected to address the media later this afternoon.
