Alonzo Mourning and Grant Hill are the first guys who come to mind when I think about stars of years past making comebacks after injuries. It was improbable that either would ever contribute heavy minutes, let alone solid numbers, after spending years fighting off injuries and disease, in Mourning's case. They both did it. Which brings me to today's discussion topic, Allan Houston.
Houston's unbelievably foolish max deal with the Knicks finally expired after last season, now he's saying
he wants to make a comeback. He hasn't played since the '04-05 season, missing the past three plus seasons with a lingering knee injury.
As much as I hated Houston when he wore orange and blue, could he help the Sixers? If he can still shoot the three, I think maybe he could. Before his injury, Houston shot 40% from three for his career. He had one of the sweetest strokes from downtown in the game. On the other hand, the guy is 37 years-old and I don't see him running up and down the court with the Sixers. I can't say I'd expect much from him on defense either, but as the roster stands right now, Kareem Rush is the only three-point marksman they have. Add Houston and you have another option out there.
So, would Houston be worth a veteran's minimum contract to see what, if anything, he has left in the tank?
Yes, he is worth a look see. I read a comment from that same blog that said Jamal Crawford was mesmerized by his shooting; he apparently was not missing very much in his aborted attempt last training camp. You can't teach shooting and this guy can probably still hit cotton. The sixers could run even more half court sets which would play to his strengths. If he can still play I would buy willie out and put him on the roster. I would do it in a heartbeat.
Buying Willie out would be the gift that keeps on giving. He'd still count against the cap for the next three seasons. They could sign Houston for the veteran's minimum without getting rid of anyone.
i think everybody agrees that we could use more production from beyond the arc, but at this point, the roster and rotations are fairly set. barring a major trade, we know what guys are going to be logging heavy minutes. houston (if we added him) and rush probably won't play enough to make a significant change. the key to our perimeter offense is going to be whether or not the guys we already have out there can improve. i think with another offseason under their belts and the benefit of getting cleaner looks at the basket that having a post player like Brand brings, we can expect to see better performances from Lou, Dala, and Thad. just how much better remains to be seen.
I'd probably look at Houston as insurance. Rush shot very well last season, in Jim O'Brien's system, but his career numbers aren't that great.
They have roster spots available, and I'd like to have another option on the bench to stretch the floor.
You're absolutely right, though. Rush, Houston or any other vet. min player they get won't be the solution, none should play more than 10 min/game, most likely. Lou, Iguodala and Thad need to improve their percentages, which I believe they will.
I’ll bet he can still beat Korver in a 40 yard. Dash
He could provide exactly what Korver did.
It would be fun to see.
But can Houston do this?
Funny stuff