As long as injuries don’t necessitate otherwise, New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire will come off the bench when he returns to the team, league sources with knowledge of the Knicks’ thinking said.

It’s common for players who return from a lengthy absence to come off the bench initially to regain their timing. But according to sources, Knicks coach Mike Woodson is seriously considering playing Stoudemire in a reserve role for the rest of the season.

Woodson is hoping to avoid disrupting the chemistry the Knicks have established during their surprising 20-8 start. The coach and his staff also want to see how Stoudemire adjusts initially, sources say.

via Ian Begley of ESPN New York