[NY Times]Knicks' Hobbled Houston Gets an Unfriendly Earful

I've been a fan of A. Houston since 99'... yeah, I know he's a bit overrated in respect of his max contract. But guys, please tell me, are those fans in NY always that critical

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Knicks' Hobbled Houston Gets an Unfriendly Earful

By HOWARD BECK

Published: October 18, 2004

The Knicks opened their practice and their hearts to the fans yesterday afternoon, and what they got in return - aside from roars for Trevor Ariza's spiffy dunks - was an aural assault on their captain.

Allan Houston was booed.

Given the odd acoustics in a half-empty Madison Square Garden, it was possible they were chanting, "Houuuuuston,'' but it seemed unlikely. It was more probable that fans still mystified by his $100 million contract and alarmed by his suspect knees were venting frustration.

Houston has not played since March and has given only vague answers about his health and his timeline for returning. The season starts in 16 days. Apparently, Knicks fans were not convinced that Houston would be ready.

"That's New York, man,'' Houston said. "I think if they understood what I've been through, what I'm going through, then it'd probably be a little different.''

Houston has not been the same since having surgery on his right knee in June 2003. He pushed his rehabilitation to make it back by opening night last season, a move he came to regret when he started experiencing problems with his left knee as well. He missed 32 games last season and was determined not to make the same mistake.

He said that the booing did not hurt him.

"I saw Patrick get booed for starting lineups one game when I first got here,'' he said, referring to Patrick Ewing, "and that's when I knew that it was just going to be a matter of time.''

Houston is still not forthcoming about his progress, even when the questions come from grammar-school students. At yesterday's open practice, some children were invited to ask questions of the players. One concerned youngster asked Houston how he was feeling. "I'm feeling good,'' Houston said, "and I'll be back soon. Don't worry about it.''

While Houston reconditions himself under a veil of secrecy, Jamal Crawford is threatening to take his starting job. Houston will not engage in that discussion, nor will Coach Lenny Wilkens or Isiah Thomas, the team's president. But the Knicks will have to make a decision soon enough; they open the season Nov. 3 in Minnesota.

"What's good about our situation is if Allan returns back and he's healthy, you've got three good players,'' Thomas said.

 

sorry, I missed the link.

 

well, it seems to be kinda a acquiescent "rule" for those NBA players who got the chance to play in a BIG city like NY/LA, that you'd gain more highlights than other ones, so you gotta undergo the shrillness, picky reaction or whatsoever from fans there... uh?

but again, if someone blame Allan for his undecided returning date - "his $100 million contract and alarmed by his suspect knees were venting frustration", hell no-no in my philosophy, it's despicable to boo your past-prime star player just for that!

btw, what the hell caused Allan injuries? It's the heavy burden he solely shouldered with the franchise... he wouldn't be able to hurt left knee if he didn't force himself back to court... which at least shows he's professional and truly love the team, right? and who the hell permit offerring his max contract? It's knicks mgt, not himself, right? why not just show your generous to give him credit he should be honoured even if he's been past prime?!

geez, no wonder Yao Ming implied that he's reluctant to play for knicks before he entered NBA....