Thursday, September 25, 2008

Training Camper


There is something obviously odd about this photo. To think that Allan Houston is a part of Knicks rebuilding process is kind of crazy considering that he hasn't played in the league in three years. That's about four coaches ago.

It was in Houston's last season with the Knicks that Jamal Crawford played his first. Now they're on the same team again.

Houston, the team's 4th all-time leading scorer, was a shell of his former self in the 20 games he did play in 04-05. It's hard to see why the Knicks brought him in now - other than to make him work for the money he's earning to not play.

However, there are a few good reasons why bringing him into camp he doesn't hurt.

-He's one of the few people who remembers what it's like to win in New York. Even if just for a few weeks, Houston's attitude and experience should be of value to the Knicks' young team. Houston might will hopefully instill some wisdom into Crawford who needs to play consistently well for the Knicks to make any noise.

-Houston plays a lot of basketball and is not in the type of situations where he's trying out for the team and seeing if he can compete again. He hit a few NYC PRO-AM spots this summer and is obviously comfortable pushing himself a little bit. Therefore, he shouldn't be dragging ass.

-The Knicks were 21st in the league in team shooting last season. Q.Rich and Crawford should be more comfortable this season, Q having totaled his most regular season threes under D'Antoni with the Suns, but the bottom line is they need to shoot better. Houston is a great shooter and the son of a coach.

-Say all he can do is shoot. No full-court breath or getting to the basket. Just nail every jumper. If he really can't make the final roster spot with what he has left in the tank, he'll certainly make it clear the Knicks need another shooter during camp when there is still time to correct it.

-Like Ewing Jr. and Dan Grunfeld, Houston is another good story. Unlike point guards, the Knicks are never short on those.

-Houston and Marbury are close. They are both Born Again Chrsitians and if anybody can work well with Steph it will be Houston. - CAPUTO

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