Stoudemire respects Lee, who's also his landlord
Former Knicks All-Star David Lee, right, is renting one of his New York homes to current Knick Amar'e Stoudemire. (Oct. 27, 2010) Credit: AP
MILWAUKEE - Amar'e Stoudemire might want to take it easy on David Lee when the two square off Wednesday night in Lee's return to Madison Square Garden.
Lee, you see, is Stoudemire's landlord.
Stoudemire never got to play with Lee, but he is renting an apartment from the former Knick near the team's Westchester practice facility.
"He had a couple places that he was looking to rent out and I found the perfect one near the practice center," Stoudemire said Tuesday before the Knicks played the Bucks at the Bradley Center. "So we're pretty good friends."
Lee likely will get hugs from many Knicks and a rousing welcome from fans before the game. Then he'll become the enemy as the Knicks try to beat the Warriors.
Nothing personal.
"I'm not looking forward to one-on-one with David," Stoudemire said. "He's a solid player. He's been doing a great job the past few years in the league. He's on the rise. He's playing well, works hard. He's developed into a good player.
"I think he should get an ovation. He had a good career in New York, he definitely played hard every night. For him to come back to New York should be a pleasant surprise for the Knicks' fans."
Turiaf injured
Ronny Turiaf, who left last night's game in the second quarter with a sprained left knee, shrugged as he limped out of the Bradley Center when asked his status for tonight.
Before the game, coach Mike D'Antoni said he might consider starting Turiaf over rookie Timofey Mozgov at center because Turiaf had been playing so well. Turiaf had one point in 12:20 before getting hurt.
Mozgov had seven points and five rebounds in 23:16.
Anthony Randolph picked up the bulk of the extra minutes, playing a season-high 28:04. He had eight points and nine rebounds.
