Category: New York Knicks Blog

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Knicks open to non-playing role for Allan Houston

The New York Knickerbockers announced today that starting immediately, there will be on-going discussions with Allan Houston about having a new role for him within the franchise.

The following is a statement by Allan Houston:

“First and foremost, my family and I would like to thank Knicks President Donnie Walsh and Coach Mike D’Antoni for their allowing me  the opportunity to be a part of the New York Knicks organization  again.  These are two of the most knowledgeable and respected men in  basketball and I look forward to learning more from them. Although I was very excited about potentially joining my teammates this year  in uniform, I believe that the circumstances suggest that I am best  suited to serve the team in a different role. I realize that we  often make our own plans in our heart, but God always has the right  plan for us. I am extremely blessed to have witnessed a special era  in New York Knicks history, and I know basketball fans everywhere,  especially Knick fans, are ready for the return of this franchise. Hopefully, I serve in being a part of that again.

I want to also sincerely and personally thank family, friends, fans,  prayer partners for all of your overwhelming support. Through  Allanhouston.com & the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, we will stay  connected to you and remain committed to equipping our next  generation to live fruitful lives.”

Knicks exercise two options

The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that the team has exercised the fourth-year option on the contract for guard Mardy Collins and the third-year option on the contract for forward Wilson Chandler. As part of the collective bargaining agreement, rookie contracts are two years in length, with team options for the player’s third and fourth seasons.

Oct 21: Celtics 101, Knicks 90

The AP reports: Kevin Garnett had 14 points and nine rebounds, Ray Allen scored 12 points and the Celtics tuned up for the start of their NBA title defense with a 101-90 win over the Knicks on Tuesday night… Eddie House led the Celtics with 20 points. Leon Powe added 19 points and 12 rebounds as Boston’s big men overwhelmed an undersized New York lineup… Nate Robinson scored 25 points and Stephon Marbury had 14 for New York.

Marbury to start tonight

The New York Daily News (Frank Isola) reports: Stephon Marbury will start tonight against the Celtics which tells you a little about Marbury and a lot about Jamal Crawford. I’ve heard for a few days that the coaching staff is not happy with Crawford’s defense nor is Crawford happy that he is averaging just seven shots per game in the preseason. Marbury has equipped himself well thus far and since trading him (he makes $21.9 million this season) is next to impossible, Mike D’Antoni may be reaching the conclusion that Marbury is the better option in the backcourt to play with Chris Duhon.

The New York post (Marc Berman) reports: Mike D’Antoni confirmed today that Stephon Marbury will start at shooting guard instead of Jamal Crawford when the Knicks play their second-to-last preseason game at the Garden against the Celtics tonight.

InsideHoops.com editor says: I’ve been saying for two months now that if there’s one season Stephon Marbury could redeem himself and rise up as a semi-star again, this one, under Mike D’Antoni, would be it. I know most (almost all) the local beat writers/columnists who cover the Knicks have said the team has to part ways with him, and I know the reasoning behind it, and understand it. Addition by subtraction and all that. Get rid of the bad attitude and the guy that pisses some teammates off. I’d totally buy into that, normally. But I still feel that Marbury could have his best season in years this year if he’s given the chance, and if that happens, the bad attitude and off-court issues would diminish — not totally, but to a bearable level. His contract is up after the season so what does it matter? I see no reason to buy him out. If the team wants to throw money away, buy out other players whose contracts don’t expire this summer. And it doesn’t make sense to bench him as long as he’s on the roster, unless it actually helps the team on the court to do so. I wanna see what he can do under D’Antoni’s offense and I bet it’ll be better than expected.

Oct 20: Knicks 114, Nets 106

The AP reports: Wilson Chandler scored 22 points in his first start of the preseason, and New York got strong play from its reserve guards in a 114-106 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night. Nate Robinson led the Knicks with 26 points, including a floater with 1:46 remaining after the Nets had trimmed New York’s huge lead to four. Stephon Marbury had nine points on 3-of-3 shooting and six assists in just 16 minutes… Devin Harris scored 21 points for New Jersey, still winless this preseason in North America… Top draft pick Brook Lopez, playing extra minutes with fellow center Josh Boone out, had 19 points and nine rebounds, and Vince Carter scored 13 points… Chris Duhon had 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Oct 17: Knicks 104, Celtics 97

The AP reports: After Eddie House scored five straight points in the fourth quarter to cut the Knicks’ lead to seven, Patrick Ewing Jr. threw down an electrifying dunk off an offensive rebound with 3:27 remaining to give the Knicks a 98-89 lead. With 19 seconds remaining and the Knicks (2-2) up by five, Ewing stole an errant Gabe Pruitt pass and made the subsequent free throws to secure the victory for New York… Nate Robinson scored 19 points, including 3of-6 from behind the arc, and Zach Randolph added 15 to lead the Knicks. Stephon Marbury had 12 points while Chris Duhon and Mardy Collins each had 10… Paul Pierce scored 15 points for the Celtics and Tony Allen had 11.

Oct 14: Sixers 116, Knicks 109

The AP reports: Andre Miller scored 22 points, and the 76ers spoiled D’Antoni’s first preseason home game at Madison Square Garden with a 116-109 victory over the Knicks on Tuesday night… Andre Iguodala added 18 points and Thaddeus Young had 16 for the 76ers (3-1) in the second meeting between the Atlantic Division rivals in five nights. The Knicks won 110-104 last Friday night in Philadelphia. Reserves Nate Robinson scored 21 points and Wilson Chandler 20 for the Knicks, who were 15-of-32 (47 percent) from 3-point range. Elton Brand, Philadelphia’s key offseason addition, was only 3-of-12 but finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Zach Randolph and David Lee each finished with 17 points for New York (1-2), but Lee was only 5-of-11 after making 17 of 23 shots (74 percent) in the first two games.

Knicks open practice at Pace U Oct. 19

The New York Knicks will hold an open practice for fans at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY on Sunday, October 19, with doors opening at 10:00 a.m. Fans will get a chance to see Head Coach Mike D’Antoni run the team through a workout, as the Knicks prepare for the 2008-09 regular season. Admission is free.

There is limited reserved seating for Season Subscribers, with the remaining amount of seats open for general admission on a first come-first served basis.

Oct 10: Knicks 110, Sixers 104

The AP reports: David Lee had 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead the New York Knicks to a 110-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in a preseason game Friday night. Chris Duhon added 19 points and Zach Randolph had 18 to lead six Knicks players in double figures. Elton Brand led the 76ers with 24 points, Andre Iguodala added 16 and Andre Miller had 12 points and 12 assists.