[bigboydan]

Healthy or not healthy Alan Houston is washed up!

Agent says Houston '90 to 95 percent' certain to return

With his arthritic left knee feeling pain free for the first time in years, Allan Houston is now "90 to 95 percent" sure he will return to the NBA this season, his agent, Bill Strickland told 1050 ESPN Radio in New York.

Strickland said Houston will hold a private workout with "several" NBA clubs next Tuesday before finalizing his plans.

"He is going to make a pretty quick decision," Strickland said.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks are two teams that are reportedly interested. There has been speculation that Boston, Phoenix, Miami, New Jersey and San Antonio could be landing spots. Strickland declined to reveal which teams will be at the workout.

While Strickland has had conversations with Knicks president and coach Isiah Thomas, it is unlikely that Houston will return to his old team. The Knicks already have 17 players for a roster that can only contain 15.

"Isiah's made it clear that Allan would have to compete [for a spot on the team,]" Strickland said.

Knicks vice president of public relations Jonathan Supranowitz praised Houston, calling him "one of our all-time greats," but declined to answer if the team was interested in a reunion.

Houston, 36, wants to return to the NBA because he did not leave by choice. A little less than two years ago, Houston retired because of an arthritic left knee. He has not played a full NBA season since 2002-03, when he scored a career-high 22.5 points per game. Over the next two years, he only played 70 games. For his career, Houston averaged 17.3 points per game.

When scouts watch Houston's workout, Strickland said they will see a player whose left knee is "pain free." Houston would likely only play 15 to 20 minutes per game.

Strickland said that Houston is not returning for money. Houston's last contract was for $100 million. Strickland said that the chance to mentor younger players would play a big part in Houston's decision-making.

Strickland raised the possibility that Houston could pull a Roger Clemens and make an in-season return, but Strickland said Houston prefers to start the season with his new team.

Last season, Houston was an NBA analyst for ESPN.

[Benson17]

No help here.

[Bill Dozer]

He was invited to come to camp in NJ. I never understand how these guys like Houston and Pippen think that they can come back and play 82 or 102 games. They leave because their body fails them. Yea, no kiddin you feel good now..you aren't playing every day. These guys and the Grant Hills should try to pull a Clemens at the end of their careers.

[onlooker]

He can't help any team. Just keep retired Allan and all the other older players.

[bigboydan]

From reports floating out there today. It looks like Allan Houston is expected to announce his comeback with the Knicks in the next 24 hours.

I know they need all the help they can get right about now, but he's not going to help this team win anymore games this year. It's just another big waste of money on the Knicks part.

[Tchocky]

Why not if he can find some team to take him. I'm sure he could use the coin and it would keep him out of trouble.