Lou Amundson’s nine years in the NBA resembles the Indiana Jones travel scene with red lines designating stops all over the country including 10 different cities in that timespan. Nearly each summer during his professional career, Amundson was left wondering where he would find a home – most likely a temporary place of employment before seeking his next destination. This past season, the 32-year old became the 12th person in NBA history to play for 10 different teams. While it’s a dream to play professional basketball, the inability to settle in one location for an extended period of time can hinder a career and limit any attempt at a social life. However, with an expected return to the Knicks for the 2015-16 season, Amundson can breathe a sigh of relief.
“It’s huge for me,” Amundson reacted at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas during New York’s Summer League game. “I’ve not had that. I’ve only had that one time in my career. To be in that situation, you have to prove yourself over and over again and still you are behind the 8-ball because you have a coach and coaching staff that doesn’t know you on a personal level, hasn’t seen you play every day like somebody would if you were coming back.”
When Amundson was traded to the Knicks in January, the golden opportunity was presented with playing time and the desire for the coaching staff to find a professional basketball player that exuded leadership on and off the floor. Amundson responded as the quintessential “dirty work” type of big man with an extreme work ethic and understanding of the Triangle Offense. Despite the front office signing new free agents to re-shape the roster, Amundson’s New York experience is a necessity for all parties.
“I haven’t played with any team longer than one year except for Phoenix, so I think it’s really important for me but I just think in general it’s important to go back to a team you are familiar with and a coach that knows your game, a front office that trusts you and is not afraid to put you in the game. That’s really important for me at this point to have a coach that has some confidence in me,” Amundson explained.
In the midst of signing autographs at his alma mater at UNLV, Amundson discussed his time playing next to some of the new members of the orange and blue. He played with Robin Lopez in Phoenix and New Orleans and Derrick Williams in the Twin Cities. The Knicks 2015 first round draft picks, Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant also impressed the 6-9 forward/center. Amundson can visualize an expansion to the offensive and defensive sets with the mix of the new and old blood.
“We definitely have the young guys – the personnel to really execute on that,” he confirmed. “Again, I think it’s going to depend on how guys buy in and all that. But, I think the potential is there for sure and I think it’s good to have some guys that are coming back. Lance [Thomas], I was really happy to see him come back. Just to have that understanding of the offense, have that work ethic and that intensity that you need to bring to really create that culture.”
Amundson can now unpack his bags, boxes, find a confortable spot to call home and play with a free mind knowing the long, winding road has led to a spot back in NYC.
