- (Sports Network) - Allan Houston's second comeback attempt ended on Thursday, and his career with the New York Knicks may take on a new role in the near future. The sweet-shooting but oft-injured guard signed back with the Knicks for the second straight preseason to attempt to make the club. Houston, who is fourth on the Knicks' career scoring list, originally retired in October 2005 with chronic knee pain, and a similar comeback attempt prior to last season ended due to the injury.

"First and foremost, my family and I would like to thank Knicks president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni for their allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the New York Knicks organization again," Houston said in a statement.

"Although I was very excited about potentially joining my teammates this year in uniform, I believe that the circumstances suggest that I am best suited to serve the team in a different role. I realize that we often make our own plans in our heart, but God always has the right plan for us.

"I am extremely blessed to have witnessed a special era in New York Knicks history, and I know basketball fans everywhere, especially Knick fans, are ready for the return of this franchise. Hopefully, I serve in being a part of that again," Houston said.

Only franchise legends Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Willis Reed have scored more points during their regular season careers with New York than Houston, a two-time NBA All-Star and a member of the Gold medal-winning United States team at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.

Also on Thursday, the Knicks announced that they have exercised the fourth- year option on guard Mardy Collins, and the third-year option on forward Wilson Chandler. Collins averaged 3.2 points and 1.9 assists per game in 46 games for the Knicks last season, his second in the league out of Temple. Chandler averaged 7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 35 games last season, his rookie campaign out of DePaul.

The club also waived swingman Dan Grunfeld on Thursday. An undrafted free agent out of Stanford, Grunfeld is the son of current Washington Wizards president, Ernie Grunfeld.

The elder Grunfeld was a part of the Knicks organization for over 17 years as a player (1982-86), broadcaster (1986-1989), assistant coach (1989-1990) and general manager (1991-1999).



















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