Allan Houston practiced, trying to make the team

Allan Houston (Getty Images)

15-10-2007 10:19

Protecting a lead in the final minute of a scrimmage Friday, a group of role players kicked the ball out to the newcomer for an open 3-pointer. Allan Houston buried the shot, just as he had so many times for the New York Knicks.

"He could still shoot the ball," Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said. "He's probably one of the top 10 best shooters to ever play in our sport. So he'll be able to shoot the ball when he's 60 years old."

But to pull off a comeback at age 36, Houston has to do more than that. He must prove he can run, jump and do all the other things that not long ago were too painful because of chronic sore knees.
Houston began that process Friday, taking part in his first practice for the team he spent nine seasons with -- on the same floor where he announced his retirement two years ago.

"Usually I believe that professional athletes retire because they no longer have the desire or there's no longer desire for them to be part of whatever situation they are in," Houston said. "That wasn't the case for me when I retired. It was health."

Houston no longer wears No. 20 -- Jared Jeffries has that now.

There's no guarantee Houston will stick with the Knicks, and Thomas wouldn't even guarantee he'd play in the next exhibition game Wednesday at Boston. Houston said Thomas was honest with him when they talked before Houston signed with the team Wednesday.

"I have to be able to legitimately be able to contribute, and Isiah and the rest of this team has to know that I'm helping, not that I'm just here," Houston said.

"If I'm not productive enough to help, then I don't need to be one of those 15. They don't deserve it."

And if he doesn't make the team, Houston seemed against trying to play for another one that might have more use for him.

Houston added he expects no special treatment, and Thomas said he won't get it.
"Only what you do on the floor gives you clout," Thomas said.