Amar'e Stoudemire has been told that he can begin full contact training as he steps up his comeback from knee surgery.

The 30-year-old underwent the procedure in the summer and he is unlikely to be ready for the first game of the new NBA season later this month.

However, the New York Knicks received some good news when they were informed that Stoudemire could resume playing contact basketball this past weekend.

"I felt explosive. So we'll see how the progress continues," the six-time All-Star told reporters.

The Knicks begin their season against the Milwaukee Bucks next Wednesday.