The Knicks are in an 0-2 hole after dropping game two of their Eastern Conference playoff series with Miami last night by a score 0f 104-94. But right now, that loss - and their 12-game postseason losing streak - are an afterthought.
While leaving the court, Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire punched at a glass-encased fire extinguisher out of frustration. The glass shattered, leaving Stoudemire with what has been described as a "severe" laceration that required several stitches to close. He left the arena with his left (non-shooting) hand heavily bandaged and in a sling.
Why is Stoudemire so frustrated? The Knicks' loss was almost certainly part of the problem, as are the mounting injuries that have prevented him from playing at an all-star level. But the biggest problem might be his role on the Knicks - a role that seems to be diminishing on a daily basis.
Stoudemire signed with the Knicks after the 2010 season, intent on becoming the building block that would lead the team back into contention. But his "alpha dog" status came into question with the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony. Both players are excellent on offense but suspect on defense, but Anthony is much better at creating his own shots - Stoudemire is most effective playing a two-man game with a point guard like Steve Nash or Raymond Felton.
Stoudemire is highly unlikely to play again in this series... and with New York in a 0-2 hole and missing three starters - Iman Shumpert tore his ACL in Game One, and Jeremy Lin is still recovering from March knee surgery - this series will almost certainly end their season.
What's Next for Stoudemire and the Knicks?
There are quite a few parallels between Stoudemire's situation and that of A.J. Burnett, the ex-Yankee pitcher. Both were signed to enormous contracts. Both struggled to live up to expectations. And now, both have suffered self-inflicted hand injuries stemming from encounters with inanimate objects.
The Yankees were eventually able to cut their losses, trading Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates. New York will continue to pay a very substantial portion of Burnett's salary... but they're the Yankees, that's what they do.
The Knicks could decide to take a similar action with Stoudemire... but they'll have a much harder time doing so. Stoudemire's contract has three years and over $60 million remaining, and due to his long history of injuries, that contract is uninsured. Can Glen Grunwald find a taker for that deal? Anything is possible... but it certainly won't be easy.
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