Knicks playoffs won't be so Linsane

Knicks playoffs won't be so Linsane

Ron Antonelli/New York Daily News

New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (l.) gets around Derrick Rose in the first half.

Jeremy Lin says he is cautiously optimistic hell play again this season but the Knicks point guard admits that the team may have to win at least one round for a return to be possible.

I think unless something goes really well I wouldnt get there, Lin said of retu rning for the first round.

Lin had surgery last Monday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Knicks had
originally said the timetable for Lins recovery was six weeks. The regular season ends on April 26.

It depends on how far and how long it goes, Lin said of playing again. But obviously I want to get to 100 and then come back, hopefully see what I can do. By then itll be a different team identity chemistry. So it gets tricky, too. Yeah, Im doing everything and were doing everything we can to get back as soon as possible.

Lin started 25 straight games in his breakout season before feeling pain his left knee. The combination of the lockout schedule, plus the wear and tear that comes from playing major minutes, contributed to Lin breaking down. Lin says he started feeling a difference in his body after his third start.

I was like, wow, this what it takes, huh? he said. Really, thats what it was because the gam es came so fast. Playing three, four games a week, there was really never a week except for the All-Star (break).

I still may have gotten hurt (without a condensed schedule). Thats hard to say. I mean, I think obviously a condensed schedule can be harder on peoples bodies. I dont know if that was the exact cause. I dont know if I would have still gotten hurt if it was a normal season. Thats kind of hard to guess.

L.J. ON BOARD
Larry Johnsons goal is to one day become a general manager, preferably for the Knicks. For now, hell serve under the title of basketball and business operations representative.

The club announced the hiring of the popular former player on Sunday. Johnson has been more visible in recent years and has developed a close relationship with Garden chairman James Dolan. Johnson was part of the Knicks contingent that recruited Amare Stoudemire two summers ago.

Jim and I have grown with each other and hes like a friend, Johnson said on Sunday. He and I are real close. I know that maybe former players or whomever would say some things, but that is not my opinion of this man.

According to the Knicks, Johnson will be involved in player development as well as community relations.

AMARE PROGRESSING
The news on Amare Stoudemire was much more encouraging on Sunday. He went through a series of drills before Sundays game that included him cutting to the basket and even dunking.

Stoudemire, who has not addressed the media since going out of the lineup with a back injury, has been sidelined for
two weeks. The Knicks have said his timetable is two to four weeks.