Amare Stoudemire asks for patience

If the lockout continues, Amare Stoudemire  left the door open to explore an overseas job.

"I think it definitely should be considered; it could be an option," he said. "I think the next meeting is not scheduled yet, but I think after that next meeting then we can figure out where we really stand with this whole thing."

When, and if, the owners and players hold a joint news conference to announce a new collective bargaining agreement has been ratified, Stoudemire said the Knicks are prepared to contend with the Heat for a spot in the NBA Finals.

"We have a pretty solid team; we're pretty confident with the guys we have now," he said. "I think the moves we made this past season, bringing in Carmelo and Chauncey (Billups), definitely helped us get to that championship level."