Following knee surgery in early November, New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire is eyeing a return to the team sometime around Christmas, according to a report from Marc Berman of the New York Post on Friday.

Stoudemire hasn't commenced running on his surgically-repaired left knee,according to Berman's report. Berman also mentioned that a person with knowledge of Stoudemire's current mindset said that the forward believes that a return in the middle of December - his initial ideal timetable to return - is no longer a realistic option.

Currently participating in rehabilitation with the team, according to the report, Stoudemire played in only one exhibition game with the Knicks on Oct. 19 and underwent surgery on Nov. 1.

Also included in the report is a source's comment that Stoudemire recognizes the Knicks' strong start to the season -New York is currently 10-4 overall - could mean him beginning his return to the basketball court by coming off the bench.