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The New York Knicks announced today that former star guard Allan Houston will make a comeback this summer, signing a contract with the squad that he led to the 1999 NBA Finals.

This isn't a huge shock, as news began to break more than a month ago that suggested Houston would attempt a comeback. But, it's definitely interesting news. Houston last played in the 2004-2005 season, but managed to appear in just 20 games due to a knee injury which ultimately caused him to "retire." Prior to that, Houston last played a full 82-game season in 2002-2003, averaging a career-high 22.5 points.

So, what does this mean for the Knicks? Not much, really. Basketball-wise, it can't mean too much. The guy is 36 years old, and yes, he was a solid shooter/scorer in his day, but out of the game for more than 2 years, it's unclear what Houston can bring to the Knicks.

Morale-wise, I guess this has to be a bit of a boost. Houston was the face of the franchise for years before the injury, and they haven't finished better than 33-49 in the years since Houston's departure. In the wake of the Isiah Thomas sexual harrasment scandal and acquiring often in trouble Zach Randolph, Knicks fans can rejoice in Houston's addition to the squad.

Just don't be surprised to not see him make much of an impact. The guy's old, has bad knees (and presumably other injury-riddled parts), and just wants to finish his career with some dignity. Too bad this wasn't the shot that ended his career...

Labels: 1999, Allan Houston, class act, Kevdog, Knicks, NBA, New York

Derek Fisher was released by the Utah Jazz on Monday, after the Jazz granted the guard's request so that he could move to a city where he could get care for his 11-month old daughter who has a rare form of cancer in her left eye.

It's a really awful story, but it's good to see a class act in the NBA, as Fox Sports' Kevin Hench notes. But, to be sure, Fisher's a fighter, and he wants to play basketball. Despite the success he experienced with the Utah Jazz this past season (Fisher played an integral role in getting the Jazz to within 3 games of the NBA Finals), he sacrificed what he had in Utah to care for his family.

Perhaps Latrell "Need to Feed My Family" Spreewell should take a cue from Fisher's book.

Anyway, interestingly, the biggest rumor which came about after Fisher's release was a scenario bringing him back to Los Angeles, with the Lakers desperately in need of a point guard. Having released Smush Parker, the Lakers best point guard at the moment is Jordan Farmar, a decent player, but not a starter.

I'm sure nearly every Laker fan would love to see Fisher back in LA. I was sad to see him go. He always fought hard, had a great demeanor, and, most importantly, got along well with Kobe. Perhaps a Fisher return could help ease Bryant's concerns?

For any doubters, who wouldn't want to go back to a team with the guy who did this?



I still smile every time I see that. Come back, D-Fish! We need you!

Labels: Bryant, class act, Fisher, Kevdog, Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers