http://www.nypost.com/seven/09282007/sports/knicks/hey__hou__knicks_need_balkman_.htm By MARC BERMAN September 28, 2007 -- The ankle injury that will keep Renaldo Balkman out all of training camp and possibly the first two weeks of the regular season has opened the door for the Knicks to bring Allan Houston to Charleston, S.C., for a tryout, according to sources. Despite having 17 contracts, two over the limit, the Knicks have become a leading candidate to land Houston, as they believe they owe the 36-year-old a crack at making the team. The Knicks, a weak outside shooting club last season, appear willing to give Houston guaranteed money to report to training camp. No contract has been signed, according to a source. The Nets have offered a non-guaranteed contract to Houston, but Nets president Rod Thorn said yesterday he has heard the Knicks have offered Houston guaranteed money. Should Houston get a guaranteed deal, the Nets likely would be out of the running. Because Houston retired for medical reasons Oct. 17, 2005 because of major knee problems, a tryout appears to make no sense, but is low risk. A Houston signing also may distract Knicks fans from the Anucha Browne Sanders vs. Isiah Thomas sexual harassment trial, in which a verdict is expected today. Houston's interest in the Knicks - despite their overloaded roster and spate of guards - stems from having his family in Greenwich, Conn., and feeling he has unfinished business at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks feel they owe Houston a chance because he's one of the elite guards in franchise history. He also is very close with owner James Dolan. The Knicks attended Houston's open workout last week and came away impressed. But the chances of his breaking down once games begin is strong. Houston could get a longer look now that Balkman is done for training camp because of a stress fracture and cartilage damage in his right ankle. The Knicks announced Balkman would be reevaluated in four weeks, but the strong indication from team personnel was he likely will miss the season's first two weeks, with a mid-November return a good bet. Training camp opens Monday, with the first practice slated for Tuesday in Charleston. Balkman, the dreadlocked forward nicknamed "Tasmanian Devil" by teammates, was a demon as a rookie and figured to be a strong piece off the Knicks' deep bench. In a cruel irony, the Knicks open their exhibition schedule Oct. 8 vs. the Sixers at the University of South Carolina, where Balkman played his college ball. Balkman fits in perfectly with Thomas' vision of the Knicks' second team, which he wants as an uptempo unit when Eddy Curry is off the floor. Balkman missed the final six games last season with a sore groin. Thomas was in court yesterday as closing arguments were held. If jury deliberations drag into Monday, it will be a huge embarrassment having Thomas, the team president/head coach, locked in court on Media Day. --

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