Allan Wade Houston III was born on April 20, 1971, in Louisville, Kentucky. He is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1993 to 2005. Houston was known for his deadly three-point shooting and was one of the best shooters of his generation. He was also a two-time NBA All-Star and won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
Early Life and Career
Houston grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and attended Ballard High School. He played basketball for the Bruins and led them to the state championship in 1988. Houston went on to attend the University of Tennessee, where he played college basketball for the Volunteers from 1989 to 1993. He was a standout player for the team and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year in 1992 and 1993. Houston was also named a consensus first-team All-American in 1993.
In the 1993 NBA draft, Houston was selected with the eleventh overall pick by the Detroit Pistons. He played for the Pistons for two seasons before being traded to the New York Knicks in 1996. Houston spent the majority of his career with the Knicks, where he became a fan favorite and one of the best players in franchise history.
Professional Career
Houston played in the NBA for twelve seasons, averaging 17.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He was known for his deadly three-point shooting and was one of the most accurate shooters in NBA history. Houston shot 40.2% from three-point range for his career and ranks eighth all-time in made three-pointers in Knicks history.
One of Houston's most memorable moments came in the 1999 NBA playoffs when he hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds of Game 5 of the first round series against the Miami Heat. The shot, which has become known as the "LJ four-point play," helped the Knicks advance to the next round and is considered one of the greatest moments in Knicks history.
Houston was also a two-time NBA All-Star, earning selections in 2000 and 2001. He was a member of the United States men's basketball team that won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
Retirement and Legacy
Houston retired from the NBA in 2005 due to a knee injury. He finished his career with 14,862 points, 2,574 rebounds, and 1,772 assists. After retiring, Houston went on to work in the front office for the Knicks and was named the team's assistant general manager in 2008.
Houston's legacy as one of the best shooters in NBA history is secure. He ranks 21st all-time in NBA history in made three-pointers and is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters of his generation. Houston's impact on the Knicks franchise is also significant, as he is one of the best players in team history and helped lead the team to numerous playoff appearances.
Question and Answer
Q: What made Allan Houston such a great shooter?
A: Houston was a great shooter because of his ability to shoot from anywhere on the court with incredible accuracy. He had a quick release and a smooth shooting motion that allowed him to get his shot off quickly and accurately. Houston also had great footwork and was able to create space for his shot, making him nearly impossible to defend.
Q: What was Houston's most memorable moment as a player?
A: Houston's most memorable moment as a player came in the 1999 NBA playoffs when he hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds of Game 5 of the first round series against the Miami Heat. The shot, which has become known as the "LJ four-point play," helped the Knicks advance to the next round and is considered one of the greatest moments in Knicks history.
Q: What is Houston doing now?
A: Houston currently serves as the special assistant to the general manager for the Knicks. He also runs the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, which focuses on empowering young people and strengthening communities through education, mentoring, and sports.
Response from People Who Know Allan Houston III
Those who know Allan Houston III speak highly of him both as a player and as a person. Former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy once said of Houston, "Allan is one of the most talented players I've ever coached. He's a great guy and a great teammate." Former Knicks teammate Latrell Sprewell also praised Houston, saying, "Allan was a great player and an even better person. He was always willing to help out his teammates and was a true professional on and off the court."
Summary Table
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Allan Wade Houston III |
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Height | 6'6" |
| Weight | 205 lbs |
| Position | Shooting Guard |
| NBA Teams | Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks |
| NBA Draft | Eleventh overall pick in 1993 |
| NBA Career | 1993-2005 |
| NBA All-Star | 2000, 2001 |
| Gold Medal | 2000 Summer Olympics |
| Retired | 2005 |
| Post-NBA | Assistant General Manager for Knicks, Founder of Allan Houston Legacy Foundation |
