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Rich
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http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/25/sports/basketball/25knicks.html
October 25, 2004
KNICKS 102, MAVERICKS 86
Knicks Are Ready, Even if Houston Isn't
By HOWARD BECK
Opening night is on the horizon, but Allan Houston is still more curiosity than fixture in any discussion of the Knicks' rotation, and the remodeled lineup appears ready to take its first steps without him.
Although no one will say so definitively, every indication is that Houston will not play a week from Wednesday, when the Knicks open the season in Minneapolis. Some teammates say it may be two to four weeks before Houston, their best shooter, actually suits up.
"I'm not thinking about next week," Houston said yesterday, before the Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak with a 102-86 preseason victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden.
"Today was good," Houston said. "And when I feel like I'm about a week away from scrimmaging or practicing, I'll know that. But right now, I can't say that I would want to go out there right now. Even though it does feel really good."
Houston continues a rehabilitation program after problems with both knees cost him 32 games last season. He has not played since March.
Coach Lenny Wilkens said it was doubtful that Houston would play in the last two preseason games, then added, "But don't hold me to it, because it could happen."
Wilkens held out the possibility, however, that Houston could play next week if he was at least able to participate in a handful of scrimmages before opening night.
He plans to speak with Houston today about his progress.
Although the team continues to identify Houston's ailment as a sore left knee, Houston said that he no longer felt pain there and that his overall conditioning was fine.
"It's more about strength," he said. "Just getting to the point where I can do everything the way I want to do it."
Houston recently began more intense lateral-movement drills and has been sprinting straight ahead without a problem.
"He's moving pretty good, so I'll keep my fingers crossed," Wilkens said.
Jamal Crawford, who has struggled at times in the preseason but led the Knicks last night with 22 points, is almost certain to start at shooting guard when the Knicks play the Timberwolves. Penny Hardaway will be the Knicks' first guard off the bench.
And Houston will continue to exercise patience with himself.
"I'm focused on those days when I know that all right, it's strong, it's really healthy and I'm comfortable that I can get out there and be there for us the whole year, playoffs, next year, next playoffs," Houston said. "I'm really close to that. I can feel it. But it's not where I want to be today. I can't say which day.
"But I'm happy with the progress. I'm happy with how patient everybody has allowed me to be."
Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
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