"I think guys will be able to make certain moves they can't make now because of how he spaces the court," point guard Stephon Marbuty said. "When I penetrate going to his side, watch how no one leaves him (to double-team).

"And that's why he gets paid $100 million."

Marbury said a lot of people forget how good Houston is because he has been hurt for so long. An All-Star in 2000 and 2001, Houston was even better the two seasons after those, when averaged more than 20 points per game for the first two times in his career. But after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee in June, 2003, his injury woes began.

Grant Hill came back from injury after injury for how many yrs now and finally got healthy and is now an allstar. And Hill is about 34?? right now. When Dice came back from injury he put up 17-13 that preseason until he got injured again.

Houston has said this is the best he felt since he was a young guy. That he has been playing in pain the last few yrs and still put up his #s and this is the first time that he is pain free. So if Houston was in pain but still put up #s in the past why can't he put up #s now that he is pain free?? I think its more of a question of will he be able to maintain his healthy rather than will he still be able to put up big scoring #s when he is healthy.

I have no idea what to expect, but I will admit I am pretty excited. I like Crawford alot but I always thought the big deal about getting Marbury, one of the great penetrators in the league is you put him in the backcourt with one of the great shooters in the league.

We are talking about a 40% shooter from downtown in his career. Take out the 3's and he shoots 46% from everywhere else, not to mention he doesnt miss FTs.

I also think Marbury like Houston, as a player if nothing else, and Marbury needs to trust guys he's passing to

To add another quote about Houston, from Marbury in this morning's NY Times:

"Allan's one of our best players, if not our best player," he said. "When Allan comes back, if he wants to play 40 minutes and he can, he's going to play 40 minutes, period. I don't even know why we're talking about this, to really be honest. I mean, that's just how it is."

Wilkens said he really only wants to play Houston for about 15 minutes tonight. I think when he is in, he will be the focal point of the offense, so I'm saying 13 points (pretty hard to do in 15 minutes, but hey, TMAC got 13 in under a minute).

wish Allan would have played his 1st game back at home like R.Miller did when he threw down 23 and the next game 32.
I believe Houston could have a monster game tonight 25 pts 4 reb 3 assist.

I got my straw in my mouth. ANYBODY GOT ANY kOOL -aID

Wish the best for Allan!

God bless him!

I hope he plays well and makes Timmy play hungry.....cuz Marbs is right....if Houston is healthy he deserves to play. This should make the Knicks become more hungry and consistant cuz Houston is not gonna do anything but shoot and if he is hitting you can't take him out.

I'm excited I must admitt.......I almost forgot why I can't stand Houston. I just hope they don't Pat Ewing him....if he's not hitting take him out. Let's not forget what Crawford means to this team.