Amare Stoudemire will be out two to three weeks with a ruptured popliteal cyst behind his left knee, the New York Knicks announced after Sunday afternoon's practice at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.
Stoudemire returned to New York City on Sunday morning to get a re-evaluation of his knee, where he suffered a bone bruise Oct. 10 during practice. An MRI then revealed the latest injury.
The left knee is the same one he had microfracture surgery on in October 2005, when he was a member of the Phoenix Suns. While he missed basically the entire 2005-06 campaign, he came back stronger as ever in the following seasons.
Stoudemire is no stranger to injuries. He's had chronic knee problems, a partially detached retina in his right eye and lower back issues, which started in the 2011 NBA playoffs and continued toward the end of last season.
Stoudemire was said to be in top shape coming into the season, hardly missing a routine of two-a-days during the summer. Also, coach Mike Woodson has raved about Stoudemire's conditioning level in training camp.
Now, the Knicks again will likely be without their starting power forward during a key stretch -- this time starting Nov. 1 to tip off the season, which includes matchups against the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers (twice).
Jared Zwerling is a frequent contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.
