GEOFFREY C. ARNOLD

Shaun Livingston played seven minutes during Miami's 106-68 loss against the Blazers on Wednesday at the Rose Garden. His appearance on the court represents a small miracle.

Many wondered if the Heat guard would play professional Basketball again after he suffered a grisly left knee injury nearly two years ago. But Livingston said the seven minutes were an example of his determination to resume his NBA career.

"I really believe there is a long way to go to being 100 percent," Livingston said. "Then after I get to 100 percent, I feel there is a lot of progress to be made from where I left off."

Livingston tore three major ligaments and his dislocated his knee after attempting a layup against Charlotte in February 2007. Livingston wouldn't play again for twenty months.

The injury was a cruel blow for Livingston, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers with the fourth overall pick of the 2004 draft. What made the injury even more devastating was Livingston was likely to sign a big-money contract extension the following summer.

"Initially, when it happened, I'm like, 'Damn. Why me?' " Livingston said. "All those thoughts cross your mind. I think the part of being mentally strong and mentally tough is how fast you can get those thoughts out of your mind."

Livingston signed a two-year free agent deal with Miami on Oct. 3. Though Livingston has played in only three games for the Heat this season, he's very happy with his progress. He is still looking to regain the explosiveness in his left leg and the ability to withstand consecutive hard practices and games without any setbacks.

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said he isn't in any hurry to see Livingston play major minutes this season.

"We're looking at this as a long-term project," Spoelstra said. "We're focusing on getting him strong, conditioning him and getting him up to speed in our system. It's just a matter of both sides having patience."

Unhappy Stoudemire: Terry Porter should have seen this coming. Amare Stoudemire is unhappy. Again.

The Phoenix power forward expressed frustration with his role in Porter's offense after the Suns' 107-92 loss to Miami on Friday. Stoudemire said he cannot consistently find his favorite spots on offense.

"Consistency for me would be great. That way, I know what to look forward to and how to attack," Stoudemire told ESPN.com. "That way, when I do get it, I'm not off-balance."

Unlike last season, when Shaquille O'Neal cleared space for Stoudemire to operate and slash to the basket, the center's presence has reduced Stoudemire to shooting jump shots. Stoudemire says he wants to be featured similarly to players such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.

"He wants to be the go-to guy?" Porter told reporters Saturday. "He's leading us in scoring, leading us in minutes, field-goal attempts. Most go-to guys are leading their teams in field-goal attempts and minutes."

Stoudemire's scoring average is 21.7 this season, down nearly four points compared to last season. But the Suns are scoring less as a team this season while adjusting to Porter's offense. That fact apparently doesn't matter to Stoudemire, who has a history of complaining about his offensive role.

Marbury update: Stephon Marbury's tumultuous time with the New York Knicks could end as soon as today.

The point guard and Knicks general manager Donnie Walsh are scheduled to meet today to discuss a buyout of Marbury's contract.

The Knicks suspended Marbury for one game Friday for what the Knicks said was his refusal to play during the game at Detroit on Wednesday. Marbury claims he never refused to play and the players association has appealed the suspension.

"I think everyone came in with good intentions, and it hasn't worked out," Walsh told the New York Daily News. "So we have to acknowledge that and talk about it."

The issue is how much of Marbury's $21.9 million contract the Knicks are willing to pay to rid themselves of a major distraction. The Knicks do not want to pay more than $15 million and Marbury said he wants no less than $17 million.

If an agreement is reached and he clears waivers after 48 hours, Marbury will likely hear from a number of teams in need of a point guard.

Geoffrey C. Arnold: 503-221-8556;

geoffreyarnold@news.

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