Allan Houston is worried for Antonio McDyess. And in a recent conversation, the Knicks captain told McDyess to think twice about playing Monday’s Garden game against the Pistons even if he feels he’s ready.
Houston believes McDyess should not return until he feels more than ready. That he should not have any doubts, not have to depend on whether tomorrow’s ballyhooed scrimmage goes well or not.
McDyess revealed during the Knicks’ 2-1 road trip that if the five-on-five scrimmage goes well, he’s “ready to roll.” It’s the first time McDyess has pinpointed a date since training camp opened.
So today’s Garden matinee against the Hornets could be the last time the Knicks go to war without the former All-Star power forward.
Houston indicated a McDyess debut Wednesday in Seattle – in a less pressurized environment – may be more judicious.
Wednesday’s Seattle game is the start of a five-game West Coast trip. There will be less media during the trip, fewer viewers back home because of the late starts, less hubbub.
“It’s so important for him to eliminate anything negative playing in his first game,” Houston said. “It gives him a better chance to grow. If that means being on the road, so what?”
McDyess wants to debut at the Garden. He knows he’s probably playing just 10 minutes anyway. But, Houston said, “He has to be sure mentally it’s the right time.
“That’s the part a lot of people don’t understand unless you’ve played this game. You play at such a high level, against the best in the world, you can’t go out there unsure at all. You have to know everything is fine because it’ll show. I was just encouraging to take that one extra game to make sure he’s mentally ready.”
Dikembe Mutombo would like to see McDyess play Monday. “I think it’s going to be exciting,” he said. “We’re all looking forward to seeing him again playing basketball. He’s been showing a lot of positive things on the court. I think his offensive game will make myself or whoever is playing alongside him so much better because he’s such a good offensive player.”
Knick fans with Monday tickets are hoping McDyess ignores Houston’s advice.