After taking a few days off last week from workouts and missing Monday to film a Nike commercial in Los Angeles, Amar? Stoudemire was back on the court Tuesday, saying he is pain-free and feeling stronger and closer to basketball shape with each passing day.

His latest MRI, taken last week, showed no problems in either of his surgically repaired knees, and he feels the healing process is in the final stages.

?I had my explosiveness, my ability to run, jump and play defense,? he said after going full court for about an hour. ?I?m feeling great. I?ve been working on the strength and power in my legs and it?s paid off. My skills will come, but my condition is just average.?

He said he?ll be happy starting, coming off the bench or ?whatever it takes to bring us a championship.?