Knicks Amar’e Stoudemire says Jan. 1 is a "possibility" to make season debut

Amar'e Stoudemire is closer to returning to the Knicks and targets the beginning of the year to make his season debut. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire says he is aiming to get back on the court and said there is a "possibility" that he will make his season debut by Jan. 1, Newsday reports.

Stoudemire has not played this season after having left knee surgery, an injury that was supposed to keep him out for six to eight weeks. He was hurt in the preseason after going through an injury-plagued 2011-12 season, which he missed 15 games because of injuries and averaged 17.5 points which was the lowest since his rookie season.

"Well obviously coming back from an injury, you have to slowly build your way up to get back to where you once were, so there's no pressure right now of starting," Stoudemire said after the Knicks' 100-94 Christmas Day loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. "I think it's more so about us continuing to win – keep that momentum going and keep guys positive and feeling energetic about the game."

The Knicks have gone 20-8 without Stoudemire this season.