Stoudemire: Steve Nash 'Would Be Great' For Knicks; What About Lin?
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Could it be Steve-sanity next season in New York?
If Amar'e Stoudemire had his way, soon-to-be free agent Steve Nash would be running the Knicks' point next season. The All-Star forward told the New York Daily News he'd love to see his former Phoenix Suns teammate in blue and orange.
"Everyone knows that Steve loves New York and that New York loves Steve," Stoudemire told the paper. "I love Steve. It would be great to have him here next year."
After Wednesday night's first-round ouster, Carmelo Anthony vowed the Knicks would be better in 2012-13. The 38-year-old Nash could be a nice piece to the puzzle -- but he's certain to have plenty of suitors.
Nash "has always been enamored" with playing in the sports Mecca of his beloved Manhattan, the Daily News reported, though he'd likely only consider title contenders if signing for the veteran minimum. A team like the Miami Heat, for example.
The Knicks certainly have a need for a veteran at point guard. Mike Bibby wasn't great this year and Baron Davis just suffered what could be a career-ending knee injury.
Then there's the big question: what about Jeremy Lin?
The injured star will be a restricted free agent, and according to the New York Post, team owner James Dolan "wants him back next season and all that's left is hammering out a contract." Lin is expected to receive a large chunk -- if not all -- of the Knicks' $5 million mid-level exception.
Lin sounds like he wants to return. He was perhaps the biggest story in the NBA this year, and surely Knicks fans want to see if he can bring back Linsanity for an encore.
"I'm definitely comfortable here," he said Wednesday. "I love playing in New York. I love the fans. They gave me a chance. They believed in me. That's why I'm here today. I owe a lot to this organization."
In February, Stoudemire compared the "unselfish" young point guard to Nash. Who knows, maybe Lin will soon be learning under the two-time NBA MVP.
Do you think the Knicks should make a play for Nash? Sound off in the comments below...
