The New York Knicks and coach Mike Woodson are taking an unorthodox approach in playing Amar'e Stoudemire, 30, and Kenyon Martin, 35, according to a report from Saturday's practice.
Mike Woodson to alternate Amar’e Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin in back-to-back games
The New York Knicks will play it safe with their veteran big men
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Woodson said he's planning to alternate Martin and Stoudemire. Play one one night and the other the next. Seems newsy to me.
— Anthony Rieber (@therealarieber) October 26, 2013
The two injury-nagged veterans will have their minutes monitored all season long, with both players alternating back-to-back games. ESPN New York reports that the time between games will have a direct correlation with the veteran’s playing time.
Woodson says minute limits for Kenyon & Amar'e may start at 10 per game but could increase from there, depending on how both players react.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 26, 2013
Amar'e & Kenyon have to make it through practice Mon & Tues before they can be cleared for the opener; Woody's confident that both will play
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 26, 2013
The Knicks’ two veteran big men will likely both be available if the team has ample amount of rest between games, but the plan to alternate them on back-to-backs is a savvy strategy to ensure good health. The two combined for just 47 appearances in 2012-13, so saving their legs should be a priority for Woodson and his staff.
Seth Rosenthal alluded to the strategy as sort of a pitching rotation that you’d see in baseball. That’s not a bad comparison.
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