Link: The due date for Houston's wife, Tammi, was yesterday, but the couple expects their third child to be born in the next few days. Houston will want his family situation settled before he signs a contract and reports to camp. The Knicks leave for Charleston, S.C., on Monday night and hold their first practice Tuesday.
"I'm fairly confident what he's going to do, but I've been wrong before," agent Bill Strickland told The Post yesterday. "Let's just say the Knicks are right in the mix. And he's not trying to miss two-a-days."
Houston, 36, is trying to pull off a medical miracle by making a Knicks' roster that has 17 players (two over the maximum) and overcoming a damaged left knee that forced him to retire Oct. 17, 2005.
Strickland, asked initially if the Knicks were high on Houston's list, said, "Of course. It's where he played most of his career. He's focused his family where the Knicks are (he lives in Greenwich, Conn.). Right now he's definitely committed to being close to his family."
Houston said he has unfinished business at the Garden because of his premature retirement. The Knicks are happy to oblige, basically giving him an open invitation. Nets president Rod Thorn said he's heard the Knicks have offered some guaranteed money, but the Knicks would not confirm how much. Houston would be eligible for the $1 million veteran's minimum.
"He would help," Stephon Marbury told The Post.
Knicks owner James Dolan adores Houston and the class he exudes, with rumors he views him as Isiah Thomas' heir apparent as team president.
Strickland said Houston is no lock to make the roster.
"Isiah has made it clear to us Allan will have to compete if he comes back," Strickland said.
Yesterday, Thomas was in federal court for the sexual harassment lawsuit vs. Anucha Browne Sanders, as jury deliberations continue into Monday's media day. There's the embarrassing possibility Thomas will miss media day to attend court to wait for the verdict and possibly miss the team's flight to Charleston, and their first practice Tuesday.
