The Allan Houston Comeback Watch: Day 34

In mere hours, Allan Houston will officially announce his return to the NBA. Knick fans are united in mild approval as the former two-time All-Star prepares to return to the team he once helped get crushed by the Spurs in the NBA Championship in a strike-shortened season.

Fans around the country are kind of sort of interested in the comeback of one of the 15 greatest Knicks of all time. Thousands glanced at the headline and then vaguely remembered Houston hitting some sort of big a shot against Miami in the '98 Finals. Or maybe it was '99. Whichever season has an asterisk in it because they only played 50 games.

A Houston comeback could also mean something more to the Knicks than just filling what might have been a hole at the backup shooting guard spot. Houston's style of play could encourage more Knicks to shoot almost every time they touch the ball and refuse to pass, rebound or play defense. In addition, Houston's potential success could draw former running mate Latrelle Sprewell back to the franchise which made him famous for something other than choking his own coach. Either way, eyes will be periodically glancing at the 35-year old Houston from the first minute he steps back onto the floor until his knee gives out again.

But, as with any comeback attempt, questions about Houston remain. Is he in shape to hold up to the rigors of shooting a few jumpers for 7-12 minutes a night? Will he tarnish his legacy of being a poor man's Reggie Miller? One bad season could drop Houston below the 40% career three-point field goal percentage mark, something basketball historians would lament as "kind of a bummer."

Whether you agree or disagree with Houston's comeback attempt, you can't completely ignore the barely significant interest his decision has generated. When the NBA season starts, Allan Houston will be walking onto the court in the second quarter of a non-televised game. And thousands of fans will briefly check the box score and remember "hey, Allan Houston's back, that's right." And that is why we watch sports.