Amar'e Stoudemire's Early Return Makes New York Knicks NBA Finals Contenders

It appears the New York Knicks will get Amar'e Stoudemire back soon rather than later as the New York Post is confirming he could return to action next Wednesday against the New Jersey Nets.

And it couldn't be more perfect timing.

That return date gives the Knicks' power forward five games to get re-acclimated into the team's offense and defense in order to build strength and shake off rust before the NBA playoffs.

Not to mention, he can only help a Knicks team that is trying to successfully complete the stretch run of this compressed NBA season and are currently two games up on the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 8 seed.

New York needs Stoudemire for multiple reasons.

Carmelo Anthony has taken the lead as far as offensive duties are concerned but could use the help of a great scoring option like Stoudemire. He adds at least 20 more points per night to an offense desperately needing it.

On the boards, the Knicks are getting out-rebounded pretty badly.

While Anthony has done a great job at the 4, New York could use the extra length in its starting five as opposed to using the three guards the team has been playing.

Stoudemire gives New York much more size on the boards and on the defensive end where Stat has shown some improvements this season, specifically under head coach Mike Woodson.

As is, the Knicks don't have enough talent and depth to compete for a NBA championship. Injuries have plagued this team's consistency all year long.

Doubters still remain about the viability of Melo and Stat playing with each other in the future.

I contend the two were beginning to gel before Amar'e got hurt, and the majority of the problems stem from Melo's poor shooting and not necessarily bad teamwork.

With Anthony shooting lights-out at the moment, all Coach Woodson has to do is find the right complement of the two players. He already seems to have helped straighten out Melo's game since he took over.

New York is built to make the playoffs, but without Amar'e Stoudemire, it isn't built to win the NBA Finals.

Getting Amar'e back couldn't be better medicine for a tired team and could be an advantage the Knicks didn't have last season that they will have in 2012.

A healthy Stat could be the difference between the Knicks having a nice year and a great one.