PHOENIX — In recent years, the National Basketball Association has been dealt blow after blow by its audience and the media as to why the game is not where it wants it to be. From overconfident superstars who wish for their fair rest to the style of how the game is played and to even general managers who sometimes lack much-needed patience in their quest for a championship, the league has been in a constant state of finger-pointing of blame for several years now, and one what needs to change. But amid all this white noise, some former players of the sport’s most popular and competitive league have looked to stay involved in the game both on and off the court, particularly those like 12-year NBA veteran Allan Houston.
Houston’s basketball career was often defined by his signature shooting style and numerous clutch performances as a long-time member of the New York Knicks. And while his retirement
took place nearly two decades ago, he is well aware of the complaints fans of the media towards the league he represented.
“ If you’re gonna play 35 minutes a game and be consistent in doing it, then build up your capacity to do it,” Houston said on the topic of “load management” towards NBA players.
However, Houston has made it his mission to leave an impact far beyond his playing days — a testament to the enduring influence of athletes who channel their platform into greater purpose.
In his press conference on Friday, Houston reflected on topics like player development, faith-based initiatives, and the evolving basketball culture, highlighting the journey of an athlete who refuses to be confined by his sport’s boundaries. His measured perspective on “load management”—along with other hot-button issues in today’s NBA—underscores a broader generational shift.
Where today’s players have access to advanced sports science and data, Houston’s era relied on grit, conditioning, and following the example of veterans like Patrick Ewing. Yet, he resists the temptation to cast judgment, acknowledging that each era has its demands and standards.
“ I don’t like to compare eras,” Houston pointed out. “But I will say that there’s more data, there’s more information, and the pace is faster…”
Now serving as the general manager of the New York Knicks affiliation for the NBA G-League, the Westchester Knicks, Houston’s dedication to mentorship and character development stands out most following his playing career. His passion for guiding players off the court is palpable, especially in how he frames development as a holistic process, and his philosophy — that who you are as a person matters more than your skill set — serves as a refreshing reminder in a sports world often consumed by talent evaluations and transactional relationships.
Perhaps Houston’s most profound insight was his emphasis on “alignment” within organizations. He explains that a team’s culture is shaped by its leaders—players and executives—and how those individuals embody shared values. This ethos bleeds into his work with FISLL (which stands for Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, Legacy). This foundation seeks to instill core principles in young people through mentorship, leadership training, and community programs, something he tries to provide in his work, along with his evident credentials from his time on the hardwood.
“I didn’t aspire to be in the front office originally,” Houston stated. “But they trusted me as a person. They trusted my perspective. They trusted my approach. Even though it probably wasn’t my biggest skill set…”
In an age where athletes are often defined by their personal brands and social media followings, Houston’s unwavering commitment to faith and service feels both countercultural and necessary. He was incredibly open about the dangers of narcissism fueled by digital platforms and advocated for a return to timeless values that prioritize community over self-promotion.
As the NBA grapples with questions about player empowerment, mental health, and social responsibility, Houston’s servant leadership model provides a blueprint for the next generation. Whether through his work with the Knicks or FISLL, he proves that true greatness isn’t just about what you accomplish but how you uplift others along the way.
“I tell a lot of people who you are as a person, and your character…is far more important than your skill set,” Houston argued. “ But for me, my goal was, ‘How can I help this player get better in all areas?’ Because we often say, it’s all the same on and off the court.”
From Hardwood to Humanity: Allan Houston’s Newfound Basketball Impact
PHOENIX — In recent years, the National Basketball Association has been dealt blow after blow by its audience and the media as to why the game is not where it wants it to be. From overconfident superstars who wish for their fair rest to the style of how the game is played and to even general managers who sometimes lack much-needed patience in their quest for a championship, the league has been in a constant state of finger-pointing of blame for several years now, and one what needs to change. But amid all this white noise, some former players of the sport’s most popular and competitive league have looked to stay involved in the game both on and off the court, particularly those like 12-year NBA veteran Allan Houston.
Houston’s basketball career was often defined by his signature shooting style and numerous clutch performances as a long-time member of the New York Knicks. And while his retirement
took place nearly two decades ago, he is well aware of the complaints fans of the media towards the league he represented.
“ If you’re gonna play 35 minutes a game and be consistent in doing it, then build up your capacity to do it,” Houston said on the topic of “load management” towards NBA players.
However, Houston has made it his mission to leave an impact far beyond his playing days — a testament to the enduring influence of athletes who channel their platform into greater purpose.
In his press conference on Friday, Houston reflected on topics like player development, faith-based initiatives, and the evolving basketball culture, highlighting the journey of an athlete who refuses to be confined by his sport’s boundaries. His measured perspective on “load management”—along with other hot-button issues in today’s NBA—underscores a broader generational shift.
Where today’s players have access to advanced sports science and data, Houston’s era relied on grit, conditioning, and following the example of veterans like Patrick Ewing. Yet, he resists the temptation to cast judgment, acknowledging that each era has its demands and standards.
“ I don’t like to compare eras,” Houston pointed out. “But I will say that there’s more data, there’s more information, and the pace is faster…”
Now serving as the general manager of the New York Knicks affiliation for the NBA G-League, the Westchester Knicks, Houston’s dedication to mentorship and character development stands out most following his playing career. His passion for guiding players off the court is palpable, especially in how he frames development as a holistic process, and his philosophy — that who you are as a person matters more than your skill set — serves as a refreshing reminder in a sports world often consumed by talent evaluations and transactional relationships.
Perhaps Houston’s most profound insight was his emphasis on “alignment” within organizations. He explains that a team’s culture is shaped by its leaders—players and executives—and how those individuals embody shared values. This ethos bleeds into his work with FISLL (which stands for Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, Legacy). This foundation seeks to instill core principles in young people through mentorship, leadership training, and community programs, something he tries to provide in his work, along with his evident credentials from his time on the hardwood.
“I didn’t aspire to be in the front office originally,” Houston stated. “But they trusted me as a person. They trusted my perspective. They trusted my approach. Even though it probably wasn’t my biggest skill set…”
In an age where athletes are often defined by their personal brands and social media followings, Houston’s unwavering commitment to faith and service feels both countercultural and necessary. He was incredibly open about the dangers of narcissism fueled by digital platforms and advocated for a return to timeless values that prioritize community over self-promotion.
As the NBA grapples with questions about player empowerment, mental health, and social responsibility, Houston’s servant leadership model provides a blueprint for the next generation. Whether through his work with the Knicks or FISLL, he proves that true greatness isn’t just about what you accomplish but how you uplift others along the way.
“I tell a lot of people who you are as a person, and your character…is far more important than your skill set,” Houston argued. “ But for me, my goal was, ‘How can I help this player get better in all areas?’ Because we often say, it’s all the same on and off the court.”
Max Zepeda