Net Gains?

Allan Houston's agent said he knows which way his client is leaning and everyone should know within a week. But Bill Strickland wouldn't tip his hand.

It comes down to this: Is winning more important than loyalty? To you and I it would seem to be a no-brainer.

Would you want to play with Jason Kidd or Stephon Marbury? Would you want to play for Rod Thorn or Isiah Thomas? Do you want an owner like Bruce Ratner or Jim Dolan? To you and I, no brainers.

But Houston is a loyal guy and Dolan gave him $100 million and was good to him. Houston will be closer to home if he plays for the Knicks. He's considering these things.

But Houston also wants to play with Kidd, a good friend. They've talked and played with each other since Houston decided to make his comeback. There is more of a need for Houston with the Nets than the Knicks. His relationship with and desire to play with Kidd may be too hard to pass up. I also expect Kidd to up the recruiting pitch if he hasn't already.

Yet Houston may feel like Vince Carter did when he said he couldn't picture himself in any uniform other than the Nets. Maybe Houston doesn't think he could wear anything but the orange and blue.

You can make an argument either way and we'll all know soon enough which camp Houston will be in. But the Nets makes more sense and Houston is a sensible, reasonable guy.

What do you think Houston should do?

***

Reports are that Darrell Armstrong will be waived by the Pacers. That was a move expected by many. If he is, expect the Nets to be on the phone with his agent. They would have done that had Marcus Williams not needed foot surgery. Now there is a bigger need for an experienced veteran and true professional. But the Nets won't be the only ones inquiring about Armstrong.

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