Houston Still Down

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It's become increasingly clear that Allan Houston has no intention of playing the season opener when the Knicks face Latrell Sprewell and the Timberwolves on Nov. 3 in Minnesota.
After sitting out a good chunk of yesterday's first two-a-day sessions at the College of Charleston, including the evening scrimmage, the knee-rehabbing Houston drastically downplayed his chances of playing the eight-game preseason schedule games or the opener.

Houston has history and superstition on his side. He rushed back from microsurgery last summer, played the final two exhibition games and logged 49 minutes in the opener, an overtime loss to Orlando. He cites that game as a major setback.

"It's not that important," Houston said of making it back for the opener. "Would you rather me play opening night or in the NBA Finals and be healthy for the whole season? I'm looking at it that way. The reason I'm here is I treated [the opener] important last year because I wasn't really smart."
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G-d this is frustrating!

 

[Mr. J]

That's exactly why we should get Szczerbiak.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

Dont know what to say...if Houston is down the Knicks are in some real trouble. We cant trade Kurt for Wally our front line isnt strong enough to make that kind of a deal. The most we can do is hope Houston sucks it up and plays in the season opener. I dont care about the preseason or scrimmages. But he really does need to play at the start of the season. Him at 70% is better then not having him at all.

 

[Mr. J]

I am convinced that Sweetney and JYD can do just as good as a job. When given the time Sweetney is more productive than Thomas. Also loosing Kurt will not make our frontcourt much weaker. Who knows the status of H20? Last time he said he will be back at a specific date and never showed up for the rest of the season.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I am convinced that Sweetney and JYD can do just as good as a job. When given the time Sweetney is more productive than Thomas. Also loosing Kurt will not make our frontcourt much weaker. Who knows the status of H20? Last time he said he will be back at a specific date and never showed up for the rest of the season.</div>

You may be right about Sweetney and JYD doing a good job but it would be a long shot. And we will need to as many bigs as possible to throw at Shaq. All we can do is hope Houston is ready to play.

 

[Jurassic]

He makes too much money to be playing these kind of mind games.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

I think in the end he'll play at the start of the season. Simply because of pressure. But his minutes will be limited until he's at full strenght which shouldnt be that big of a deal since we have our overpaid insurance policy in JC.

 

[S.Livingston14]

I really like Houston, and he is a big part of the Knicks. I hope this doesn't keep him from propelling them into the playoffs. Get well Allen.

 

[VintageNYK]

God Allan can you stop changing your tune every 2 seconds?! I mean, I understand your situation and concern, but come on! Tell us one thing and stick with that before making us all excited that you're healthy again

 

[grinder333]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jurassic:</div><div class="quote_post">He makes too much money to be playing these kind of mind games.</div>


I think he just makes too much money for any Knick fan to see him EVER coming off the bench. In 2 years he will be 36 years old and he will make $20,718,750. What are those knees going to be like in 2 years??? There is no reason he couldn't come off the bench and play 20-25 minutes a game, depending on how he feels. The great thing about the Knicks roster and their +100 million dollar payroll is that there is alot of talent and players can get hurt and other good players are right there ready to play.

 

[Jurassic]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting grinder333:</div><div class="quote_post">I think he just makes too much money for any Knick fan to see him EVER coming off the bench. In 2 years he will be 36 years old and he will make $20,718,750. What are those knees going to be like in 2 years??? There is no reason he couldn't come off the bench and play 20-25 minutes a game, depending on how he feels. The great thing about the Knicks roster and their +100 million dollar payroll is that there is alot of talent and players can get hurt and other good players are right there ready to play.</div>

Agreed. Houston is in the Mutombo/Stoudamire range of overpaid players. When you eat up a teams funds, you should at least give the fans something of equal or somewhat similar entertainment value.