| News » Knicks bring in Houston, keep Marbury for now 2008-09-24 |
| Knicks bring in Houston, keep Marbury for now 2008-09-24 | |
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 Not only will Stephon Marbury be at New York Knicks training camp next Tuesday in Saratoga, but so will Allan Houston. Again. What's Hot:- Czar: Countdown to Week 4
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Top stories | Rumors | Video | Photos Houston has accepted the club's offer to attend training camp, two sources close to the former All-Star guard told The New York Post Tuesday. Meanwhile, Knicks president Donnie Walsh denied a report Marbury will be waived by week's end. Walsh said through a spokesman, "He is coming to training camp. We have not approached Stephon about a buyout." However, there's a strong possibility Marbury could be released during camp, which would give Houston a better chance of making it. The Knicks will have 17 players, two over the maximum. Houston, who hasn't played a regular-season game since the 2004-2005 season when microfracture knee surgery cut short his career, would need to beat out Marbury and, ironically, his former teammate's son, Patrick Ewing Jr. Last preseason, Houston, 37, lasted just one week and one game. He arrived a week late as he awaited his daughter's birth and didn't give himself a fair shot. In March, Houston told The Post he planned on a second comeback for 2008-2009, saying he felt his knees were stronger. To change their culture, the Knicks have seriously considered a Marbury divorce since July after signing Chris Duhon and Anthony Roberson. The team prefers to work out a buyout settlement to avoid paying the Knicks guard the entire $21.9 million haul. More from the New York Post--> - Serby: Burress owes big apology
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A team source said Marbury's departure thus could become complicated because ownership doesn't want to give Marbury $21.9 million to play for conference rival Miami. The Knicks could hold Marbury hostage through camp if he doesn't agree to a settlement.
Reached yesterday by The Post, Marbury said he hasn't been approached by the club and attended its voluntary workouts Monday. Marbury, down to less than 200 pounds, said he's in the best shape of his career and claimed the only thing Walsh said to him Monday was, "You look great."
Marbury, who could wind up in Miami, Boston, San Antonio or the Clippers, said he has no desire to work out a settlement.
"There wouldn't be no negotiation," Marbury said. "They're going to give me all my money. ... If they want to waive me and give me all my money, fine. If not, I'll try to help this organization win the championship. They told me to come to camp in the best shape of my life and I did that. But I don't want to be in a place I'm not wanted."
With the new regime of Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni, Houston zeroed in on the Knicks, with the potential of becoming a special adviser if his tryout fails.
Author: Fox Sports
Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com
Added: September 24, 2008
