New York Knicks: Not Appreciated in His Own Time, a Tribute to Allan Houston

Some players are not appreciated in their own time.  Many Knicks fans still hold a grudge against John Starks for his infamous 2-for-18 game in Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals, but refuse to remember the nights he caught fire, was asked to lock down Michael Jordan for 48 minutes and the time in he dunked on three Chicago Bulls players in traffic during the 1993 NBA playoffs.

Allan Houston is a similar player, however, his on-the-court blunders were few.  For those who saw Houston in his prime, he was truly a pleasure to watch. 

Was he perennial all-star with Rucker Park-style handles and a New York-style swagger?  No way.

He was the opposite of what New York basketball is associated.  Houston was quiet and kept to himself and possessed a silky smooth jumper. In his prime, he scored between 18 to 22 points a game and shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc.

He got his points coming off screens, sizing his opponents up using a jab step and showcasing a very consistent jump shot that was automatic on most nights.  If you gave him space, you were in for a long night and while he wasn't one to dunk very much, he can rattle the rim every now and then, ask Tracy McGrady after watching this video.

In the summer of 2001, the New York Knicks signed Houston to a $100 million contract over six years.  For whatever reason, the Knicks overspent for it, and Houston paid for it. 

For years, the Garden faithful would boo him and the press would call him overrated.  However, Houston would press on despite criticism and shoot the lights out, night in and night out.

There is a tremendous amount of irony here.  The Knicks could use a player like Houston right now.  Someone who doesn't dominate the basketball and gets his points within the flow of the offense and will make you pay for leaving him open. 

While he wasn't appreciated the way he should have been, he is one of the greatest shooters in Knicks history, and should be remembered for that, not his contract.