Hakeem Olajuwon to train Amar'e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler in post
Knicks' Amar'e Stoudemire, right, smiles as Tyson Chandler reacts after hitting a basket and getting fouled during the fourth quarter against the Nets. (Feb. 4, 2012) Credit: AP
LAS VEGAS -- Mike Woodson is trying to get Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon to work with the Knicks' big men.
Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler are supposed to train with Olajuwon later this offseason. Woodson has said he wanted Stoudemire and Chandler to improve their game in the post. Olajuwon, one of the best centers in NBA history, is known for his footwork and array of moves under the basket.
Olajuwon, whose nickname is "The Dream," worked with LeBron James last year and the Heat superstar forward showed some of his improved post skills throughout Miami's run to the NBA championship.
"Dream has been working guys out over the past few years," Woodson said. "I know he worked with LeBron. Dream and I've had some conversations and we're going to try to put something together with all our big guys."
Chandler is playing for the U.S. Olympic team so it may not happen until September, a few weeks before the start of training camp.
Woodson is expected to work with Stoudemire in Las Vegas while the Knicks' summer- league team plays here. Summer-league practices begin Wednesday night and the Knicks' first game is Saturday. Woodson said Stoudemire would come out at some point and spend several days with the coaches and training staff.
Woodson also said the Knicks would not discipline Stoudemire for using a gay slur in a tweet to a fan. The NBA fined Stoudemire $50,000.
Melo looks fit
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo was talking about the condition of some of the players on the Olympic team and brought up Carmelo Anthony. "Carmelo didn't go deep in the playoffs, but he came in here in great shape and it shows," Colangelo said . . . The Knicks and Raptors will play a preseason game Oct. 19 in Montreal.
