When Allan Houston retired from his playing career in the NBA, he never expected to take a front office role. Coming off multiple injuries later in his career, the two-time All-Star was actually seeking a path back to playing in the league.
“I was trying to come back and play,” Houston said. “I was hurt but I wanted to come back and play.”
Houston was stellar in his playing days. He spent nine seasons with the Knicks, including the two aforementioned all-star appearances and a finals run in 1999. Houston averaged 18.5 points per game on 44-percent shooting in 602 career games with the Knicks.
Houston’s time with the Knicks was unfortunately cut short due to injuries. He retired in 2005, where he spent the next three years searching for an avenue back to the game he loved. In the midst of his search, a new opportunity fell into his lap.
“Donnie Walsh was the President of Basketball Operations at the time, Larry Brown was the head coach,” Houston said. “And they both said you would be good in a front office role.”
The offer initially shocked Houston, who naturally leaned more towards the coaching side rather than the front office side thanks to his father’s past as a coach. Houston joined the scouting team, where he was tasked with organizing the department.
As a man of faith, Houston prayed for clarity on the decision.
“When I look back on it, I think they trusted me as a person,” Houston said. “They trusted my perspective, they trusted my approach. Even though it probably wasn’t my biggest skil set. That’s why I always tell people, who you are as a person, your character and how you approach and do things is far more important than your skill set.”
During his time in the scouting department, Houston prioritized player development. As a former player, Houston strived to connect with players on a deeper level, looking to develop players both on and off of the court.
“For me, my goal was ‘How can I make this player get better in all areas,” Houston said. “So, it was never about wanting to see how these numbers work or how can I build this roster or how can we stay under the cap. That really didn’t interest me.”
After spending a few seasons with the Knicks as a member of their scouting department and eventually their general management offices, Houston moved up north to their G-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
Houston remains a member of the Westchester Knicks general management team, where he can continue to prioritize player development.
“What drove me was, I wanna see how he walks in this room one way and leave better from that situation,” Houston said. “That’s what drove me.”
Houston never returned to playing but his impact on the game and the Knicks franchise is still felt to this day. Houston may have never expected to become an NBA executive, but he very well may have found his calling.
Allan Houston Column
When Allan Houston retired from his playing career in the NBA, he never expected to take a front office role. Coming off multiple injuries later in his career, the two-time All-Star was actually seeking a path back to playing in the league.
“I was trying to come back and play,” Houston said. “I was hurt but I wanted to come back and play.”
Houston was stellar in his playing days. He spent nine seasons with the Knicks, including the two aforementioned all-star appearances and a finals run in 1999. Houston averaged 18.5 points per game on 44-percent shooting in 602 career games with the Knicks.
Houston’s time with the Knicks was unfortunately cut short due to injuries. He retired in 2005, where he spent the next three years searching for an avenue back to the game he loved. In the midst of his search, a new opportunity fell into his lap.
“Donnie Walsh was the President of Basketball Operations at the time, Larry Brown was the head coach,” Houston said. “And they both said you would be good in a front office role.”
The offer initially shocked Houston, who naturally leaned more towards the coaching side rather than the front office side thanks to his father’s past as a coach. Houston joined the scouting team, where he was tasked with organizing the department.
As a man of faith, Houston prayed for clarity on the decision.
“When I look back on it, I think they trusted me as a person,” Houston said. “They trusted my perspective, they trusted my approach. Even though it probably wasn’t my biggest skil set. That’s why I always tell people, who you are as a person, your character and how you approach and do things is far more important than your skill set.”
During his time in the scouting department, Houston prioritized player development. As a former player, Houston strived to connect with players on a deeper level, looking to develop players both on and off of the court.
“For me, my goal was ‘How can I make this player get better in all areas,” Houston said. “So, it was never about wanting to see how these numbers work or how can I build this roster or how can we stay under the cap. That really didn’t interest me.”
After spending a few seasons with the Knicks as a member of their scouting department and eventually their general management offices, Houston moved up north to their G-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
Houston remains a member of the Westchester Knicks general management team, where he can continue to prioritize player development.
“What drove me was, I wanna see how he walks in this room one way and leave better from that situation,” Houston said. “That’s what drove me.”
Houston never returned to playing but his impact on the game and the Knicks franchise is still felt to this day. Houston may have never expected to become an NBA executive, but he very well may have found his calling.
Dorian Waller