Stoudemire, Felton named Knicks captains

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - Mike D'Antoni wasted no time designating the leadership for this new roster by appointing Amar'e Stoudemire and Raymond Felton the team's co-captains for this season.

The announcement was made during the team's annual pre-camp dinner Friday night. Stoudemire addressed the team and said he expects everyone to play a role in the team's leadership. He then stressed the need for the players to follow his lead and keep themselves in top condition throughout the entire season.

Stoudemire, who twice before served as a captain with the Phoenix Suns (once when D'Antoni was the coach), said he also told his teammates to be aware that opponents will be gunning for them "because we're now a team to beat. So we have to be ready."

Curry survives Day 1

Eddy Curry, who failed to make it through the first day of camp in each of the previous two seasons, endured both the morning and evening sessions, though barely. He was lapped by several teammates in wind sprints to end the night practice.

"I was tired out there," Curry said. "I was working on my conditioning. Overall, today was a good day."

During five-on-five drills, Curry was grouped with the three rookies and camp invitee Shawn Williams but no veteran regulars.

Knicks fix

Timofey Mozgov, who looked strong in five-on-five play, already has left his mark, literally. At one conditioning station in which the players have to run down the court while pulling a weighted sled tethered to their waists, the 7-1 Russian yanked the sled and it gouged a long rut into the hardwood . . . Former Syracuse standout Leo Rautins, whose son Andy is a Knicks rookie, took in practice. Former Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzales also was in attendance.