After announcing his retirement over two years ago, guard Allan Houston is attempting a comeback.
On Wednesday, the New York Knicks re-signed Houston, the fourth-leading scorer in club history.
"After much thought and prayer, I have decided to return to the NBA as a member of the New York Knicks," said Houston in a statement. "I have worked extremely hard in the last year and a half to accomplish my dream of playing in the NBA again."
Houston retired on January 19, 2005 after chronic knee problems seriously limited his playing time.
"After my wife and I were blessed with the birth of our fourth child last week, I realized that New York is where I am supposed to be, and the Knick uniform is the one I want to wear," said Houston. "I have seen the Garden in some of its best moments, and I truly believe that this team is on the verge of experiencing that again. This team is hungry and energetic. I hope to contribute in the weeks and months ahead."
Houston played nine of his 12 NBA seasons with the Knicks and posted a career average of 17.3 points, with a career playoff average of 19.3 points in 63 appearances.
The shooting guard received many individual accolades while in a Knick uniform. He was named team captain on October 4, 1999 and held the title for six seasons. He also was a member of the gold medal-winning United States team at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.
On May 16, 1999, the University of Tennessee product hit a game-winning jumper in the closing seconds to defeat Miami in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Houston is New York's eighth-leading scorer during the playoffs.
"Thank you to all of the Knick fans and those that have supported me," said Houston. "I will always be a Knick, and I am committed to helping this team compete for a championship."
Only Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Willis Reed have scored more points in a Knicks uniform.
Allan Houston, the fourth-leading scorer in New York Knicks history, announced his retirement during a Monday afternoon news conference.
"My career as an NBA player and member of the New York Knicks must unfortunately come to an end," said Houston.
Chronic knee problems limited the two-time All-Star to 70 games over the last two seasons, with his last game as a Knick on January 19, 2005. He missed the remaining 44 games of the 2004-05 season, averaging only 11.9 points while shooting 41 percent from the field -- his lowest numbers since his 1993-94 rookie season with the Detroit Pistons.
"Over the last two years, I have done everything I could possibly do to get back on the court, but injuries to my knee would not allow me to do it," Houston added.
Houston, 34, played nine of his 12 NBA seasons with the Knicks and posted a career average of 17.3 points, with a career playoff average of 19.3 points in 63 appearances.
The shooting guard received many individual accolades while in a Knick uniform. He was named team captain on October 4, 1999 and held the title for six seasons. He also was a member of the gold medal-winning United States team at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.
On May 16, 1999, the University of Tennessee product hit a game-winning jumper in the closing seconds to defeat Miami in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Houston ended his career as the Knicks' eighth-leading scorer during the playoffs.
During his announcement, Houston thanked the fans and organization for their support during his decade in New York.
"I hope that all of our fans realize how much of an honor and privilege it was to represent them and New York at Madison Square Garden for all of these years," said Houston.
"I also want to thank the fans and the Knicks organization for all their support, and giving me some of the most memorable experiences of my life."
Houston was to earn $40 million dollars over the final two years of his contract, but made the decision to retire after testing his knee during training camp workouts. He was the last player remaining from the Knicks team that reached the 1999 NBA Finals.
Only Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Willis Reed have scored more points in a Knicks uniform.
