Amar'e Stoudemire could return for Knicks' West Coast trip

Amar'e Stoudemire is closer to returning to the Knicks after recovering from knee surgery. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Amar'e Stoudemire looked good in a D-League scrimmage and could return to the floor for the Knicks on next week's West Coast trip.

Stoudemire has set the bar high upon his return, believing he will again play at an All-Star level after undergoing surgery on his left knee seven weeks ago.

The Knicks do not feel the need to rush Stoudemire's return while they still boast the Eastern Conference's best record (19-6) and end a six-game homestand with games against Chicago and Minnesota.

"I'm on pace to return back to dominance," Stoudemire said Thursday. "It's a matter of becoming 100 percent. When I'm healthy, I feel like I'm back to my dominant self."

Stoudemire reportedly displayed signs of his trademark explosiveness in his second scrimmage with the Erie BayHawks of the D-League, while coach Mike Woodson looked on. It was Woodson who made the call to end the session, apparently pleased with what he saw.

"I'm not quite ready yet," he said. "Takes a little more time to get 100 percent. Hopefully I'll be back soon enough. But there is no target date yet."