Carmelo Anthony has thrived in his new role as power forward, but Mike Woodson said that Amar'e Stoudemire will be reinserted into the starting lineup as soon as he is healthy enough to return.

There are encouraging signs that Stoudemire is making progress, including his participation in Tuesday's morning practice.

“I’ve got to think the doctors and Amar’e are on the same page in terms of where he is,” Woodson said before Tuesday night’s loss to the Bulls. “And when they tell me he’s ready to go, he’ll be right back in the starting lineup, playing the way I expect him to play.”

The Knicks are just 16-20 when Anthony and Stoudemire both play.

Stoudemire has been working with Knicks trainer Dave Hancock and the intensity of their sessions has increased.

“He’s still working out, taking it a day at a time,” Woodson said. “He looks pretty good. Again, I think it’s going to be up to Amar’e and the doctors when he decides to make his move.

“Until he tells me he’s ready to play, I got to continue to go to guys that are in uniform. When he tells me, I’m going to welcome him back with open arms big time.”