Knicks cut Houston, hope to keep him within organization

The Knicks have cut Allan Houston, but I hope to keep him in the organization in a yet to be determined role. It is the second consecutive year that the return to Houston before the court has ruled.

"Although I was very excited about potentially joining my team this year in uniform, I believe that the circumstances suggest that suits me better serve the team in a different role," said Houston as part of a statement.

Houston does not appear in any of the Knicks' preseason games because of an injured quad. Last year, appeared in an exhibition game. Houston last played in the NBA in the 2004-05 season. He was forced to withdraw to because of arthritic knees.

"It was difficult," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "And then a lot of times you have to have breaks in our league in the sense of things had to open and maybe something went on a few key strokes or whatever. Because nothing open, and then he's not playing, just kind of not doing so at that time. "

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said the thought of Houston could be a good liaison between the players and office, so that a newly created position of player development is a strong possibility.

The Knicks also gave up Dan Grunfeld, who is the son of former Knicks and current Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld. The Knicks are now 16 players on its roster. All teams must be at 15 the season before opening.

Andrew Marchand is the managing editor of 1050 ESPN Radio in New York. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.