When Allan Houston sat down for a Thanksgiving feast yesterday, it was time for serious reflection. It was time – finally – to give thanks, his long rehab ordeal on the verge of ending.
Houston, who hasn’t played in an NBA game since March, is leaning toward participating in his first scrimmage today when the Knicks reconvene for practice. Houston, who began working out with the team Sunday, believes two or three full-contact scrimmages will be all he needs before making his season debut.
So it’s not inconceivable, with practices set for Sunday and Monday, that Houston will finally return either Tuesday in Atlanta or Wednesday at the Garden vs. the Grizzlies.
A man of great faith, Houston admits this adventure tested his beliefs. Back in July, Houston targeted August as when he felt he’d be ready to play pickup basketball. Three months later, he’s still out.
“I have a lot to be thankful for even during this,” Houston said. “I learned a lot about myself, the team. You go through things for a reason. The night before the shoot-around on Sunday, when I knew I was going to shootaround, I couldn’t sleep. I was that excited, just calling people at midnight.”
There have been plenty of bumpy moments since training camp began, the gentlemanly Houston often acting grumpy to writers.
“I didn’t expect it to be this long,” Houston said. “It tested my character, tested my patience, tested my faith. I’m glad I went through it because it’s made me a stronger person. It’s made me appreciate just even being here.
“I’m not worried now about averaging 30 points,” Houston added. “My goal now is try to lead the team. It made me appreciate little things. It’s the toughest thing I’ve had to go through in my life, just sitting and watching. It was killing me not being able to help the new guys, young guys. I wish I could’ve gone out and help. So I’ll get that opportunity. That’s why I’m so excited right now.”
This latest rehab wasn’t just about Houston’s arthritic knees. The entire left side of his body was damaged last season, due to overcompensation when he rushed back from microfracture surgery on his right knee.
“I couldn’t play in the summer leagues or pickup games for four, five years,” revealed Houston, who has three years left on his $100 million contract. “It’s been tougher [for] longer than this year. But just not being able to do what you want to do and not knowing when, I trusted God and I’m still trusting God because He’s a healer.”
Stephon Marbury compared Houston’s comeback to Grant Hill’s.
“Just for [Houston] I’m happy, forget about as a team,” Marbury told The Post. “You’re just happy to see him, guys like him and Grant Hill, get back on the court. I’m so happy for Grant, too. Allan’s not in the same situation but it’s similar, to start playing and to be pain-free.
“When he comes back, the whole board for the other team changes,” Marbury added. “It’s night and day the way teams have to prepare. Whenever you have a guy like Allan, it opens up the whole floor.”
Houston said whether he scrimmages today depends on how the first segment of practice goes.
The Knicks’ Thanksgiving Eve blowout loss in Toronto underscored the need for Houston. With Jamal Crawford off, the offense disintegrated.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to help in different ways when I do get out there,” said Houston.