Azubuike says debut with Knicks close

There are plenty of skeptics, but guard Kelenna Azubuike just may beat coach Mike D'Antoni's Christmas prediction for his Knicks debut.

Back in the Bay Area yesterday on the one-year anniversary of his knee surgery, back in the place he had four nice seasons with Golden State gunning from 3-point land, Azubuike participated in a 4-on-4 scrimmage after the formal part of practice. The shooting guard believes he is 1-2 weeks away from returning as a full-time member of practice.

Azubuike will sit on the bench in a suit tonight when the Knicks (4-8) face the Warriors. He had patella tendon surgery Nov. 18, 2009, and Golden State sources believed it would take him one full year before he would play again.

"It's about that time," Azubuike said. "It's getting really close. I smell it. A couple of more scrimmages under my belt, get plays down more and I'll be good to go. It's just a matter of time."
Genuine worry exists in the organization that even if he makes his debut in early December, he won't be the same player they remember from Golden State. D'Antoni said Azubuike told him he'll be ready in two weeks, but still isn't counting on it.

"My goal is to come back 100 percent," said Azubuike. "I'm not worried. At first, I was. Now I feel myself progressing. That's the main thing. I feel I'm getting better. If I felt stagnant and felt I was not getting better. I'd be discouraged."