Amar’e Stoudemire Welcomes Lamar Odom’s NBA Comeback With New York Knicks

Basketball Player Lamar Odom Departs the New York State Supreme Court After a Child Custody Hearing with His ex-Girlfriend, Liza Morales, in Manhattan — IN PHOTO: Basketball player Lamar Odom departs the New York state Supreme Court after a child custody hearing with his ex-girlfriend, Liza Morales, in Manhattan, March 5, 2013. Reuters

When Lamar Odom struggled with his basketball career, the critics piled on. Now that Odom is signed with the New York Knicks, critics still cast their doubts that the former Sixth Man of the Year may not be able to play good basketball. Knicks' star player Amar'e Stoudemire thinks otherwise. He is reportedly even excited to play with Odom and hopeful that the new teammate would be the one that will help the team win the 2015 trophy.

According to Hollwoodlife.com, Stoudemire has no qualms about the Knicks' decision to sign Odom. Apparently, it wouldn't be the first time that Stoudemire and Odom will play together. They have been together on one team before. In 2004, both players were members of the U.S' basketball Olympic team, the Web site further reported.

"He seems like a pretty cool guy," said Stoudemire.

"I hope he is able to train and make a good year," he added.

The Knicks surprisingly signed Odom in the latter part of the recent National Basketball Association (NBA) season. It was a "non-guaranteed pact," as reported by the New York Post. Odom has to perform well in the training camp so that he will have a change to become a part of the 2014-2015 roster.

Former coach and Knicks president Phil Jackson is enthusiastic that Odom will be able to get his act together. "We know he's a really good player," said Jackson.

"He wants to put himself back together, and he has a chance to do that by having the whole summer to work at it and getting himself back in basketball condition to play."

"He told me that's what he wants to do."

Jackson is hopeful that the Knicks will gain recompenses for taking risk and signing Odom. "Having a relationship with him, it's a pretty good risk-reward situation for us."