Amar'e Stoudemire has admitted that he is not ready to make his debut for the Dallas Mavericks in their first game since the NBA's All-Star break.
The power forward joined the team earlier this week after his contract with the New York Knicks was bought out.
Ahead of the team's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder later tonight, the 32-year-old told reporters: "I want to make sure I'm sharp and ready to go from the start. I feel two days is always great to learn the offense, learn the defensive strategies and get more acclimated with the team and go from there.
"I thought the Mavericks have a great organisation, a well-built team and to compete for a championship. I had a lot of long nights in thinking this through right before making this decision, but I feel like it's the best for me.
"With the coaching staff they have here, and also the players, I think it'll be a great fit for me. Being able to be a versatile big for them coming off the bench adds an element to the team, I think, they'll be beneficial. So I feel positive about the situation."
Stoudemire averaged 12 points in 36 appearances with the Knicks this season.
Sian Cowper
