In a huge coup for the NBA Development League, the New York Knicks assigned Amar’e Stoudemire to the Erie BayHawks.  The Knicks and the BayHawks have a sole affiliate relationship.

This move follows a path paved by the Minnesota Timberwolves who assigned Jonny Flynn to the Sioux Falls Skyforce back in 2010.  At that time Flynn was a rookie who was recovering from hip surgery.  Stoudemire’s assignment further enhances the relationship between the NBA and the D-League and marks the highest profile assignment to date.

For the season, the assignment is the 56th of the 2012-13 NBA and NBA D-League seasons, while 35 other NBA players have been assigned to the NBA D-League this season. Stoudemire (6-11, 245, Cypress Creek High School), a 10-year NBA veteran, will practice with the BayHawks at MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, N.Y. today as he continues his rehabilitation process from left knee debridement.  The BayHawks will play on the road against the Springfield Armor Friday then tussle with the Maine Red Claws on Saturday.

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