There’s no denying that Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has played his best, as have the Knicks as a whole, while Stoudemire has been sidelined the first two months of this season. But with Stoudemire now expected to return on Tuesday, Anthony is quick to roll his eyes at the thought that New York can’t be a better team with the former All-Star forward back on the floor.

“We need him,” Anthony told Yahoo! Sports after the Knicks’ 106-105 loss to the Sacramento Kings. “I know we are playing well, but the more bodies, the better, especially at this point where guys are doing well. We are ready for him.”

Stoudemire has yet to play this season after having surgery on his left knee in late October. He’s expected to practice with the Knicks on Sunday and Monday. He completed a series of shooting drills prior to the Kings game, but didn’t have much to say about his pending return.

“I will be back soon,” Stoudemire said. “I’m not talking right now, but I will be back soon.”

via Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports