Allan Houston hasn't played since March and the crowd at Madison Square Garden has taken notice.
They have also taken notice of two exciting newly acquired players who can play in Houston's stead, Jamal Crawford and Trevor Ariza from UCLA.
Given the odd acoustics in a half-empty Madison Square Garden, it was possible they were chanting, "Houuuuuston," but it seemed unlikely, as the tone sounded like "Boo."
It was more probable that fans still mystified by his $100 million contract and alarmed by his suspect knees were venting frustration.
Houston 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."
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.