http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/32506.htm

HAMMY WHAMMY FOR PENNY

By MARC BERMAN

December 5, 2004 -- CHARLOTTE — Now Allan Houston has no choice but to make his season debut Tuesday in Memphis.

Backup swingman Penny Hardaway has shut it down indefinitely because of a lingering right hamstring strain.

He believes is "hurting" the team because of his defensive limitations.

Hardaway, whose hamstring began aching in training camp, said he could be out two weeks or "no matter how long it takes to get this thing right."

The 33-year-old Hardaway said he could go on the injured list, forcing him to miss at least five games. Hardaway said he hopes to take an MRI in his hometown Memphis.

The Knicks face Memphis on Tuesday, when Houston should make his season debut, though his role may be greater than previously thought.

Houston might have been activated last night for Charlotte, except he didn't travel with the team, choosing to work out at home with his trainer. Houston plans to meet the club in Memphis today.

Hardaway missed just one game because of the hamstring strain — the Knicks' dismal 34-point loss in the home opener against the Celtics.

"When I sat out the Boston game, I gave it a couple of days and felt I would have to live with the pain," Hardaway said. "It went from one part to two other parts of my leg. And I just kept playing through that. I feel like I'm hurting the team just by being out there.

"It wasn't bothering my play as much, but now defensively I can't get up to guard. . . . I don't want it to be nagging the entire season. "

i had a feelin somethin was wrong wit penny... there would be times when he would just watch people shoot instead of runnin out at them... im glad hes gettin it right... H20 To the rescue.. just in time

nothing that shocks me, he has been injured his whole career. im sure they were prepared for it.

It would appear they tried holding the hammy together until Allan came back. Looks like Penny is heading to the DL.

The team really gave Penny a lot of respect and gave him a nice chance to play. In some ways, this may have been his last hurrah.

Im not saying he is finished, but even if healthy, he might mount a few DNP's. We'll see.

Hope Penny gets well soon, but he should take any time he needs.

Great to have Houston's debut so close. I really hope that he debuts in Memphis because we need his shooting, and his presence may motivate the others to play a good game for him. Anyway, they MUST play a better game after the garbage they showed in Charlotte.

God bless both Allan in his return and Penny in his recovery...