Knicks great Allan Houston ended his attempt at a return to the Knicks on Saturday.

Houston, who had spent two years in a retirement forced by injury problems, had announced his intention to return to the NBA with the team earlier this month. He went on to play in one preseason game against Boston.

On Saturday, Houston, 36, issued the following statement:

"After much consideration, I have decided to end my comeback with the Knicks. While my body and my knees, in particular, feel fine, I know what's required for me to be truly effective in the NBA again, and it involves a timing and progression that would not be fair to Isiah and the Knicks right now. With the season opening less than two weeks away, I think it's best for the team to move on without me. I appreciate the opportunity that Isiah and the Knicks have given me, and I wish the team nothing but success."

For more from Houston, visit his official site at www.allanhouston.com.

"I think in his mind, he's won the battle he was fighting -- in terms of being able to get back out there on the floor," said Knicks President, Basketball Operations, and Head Coach Isiah Thomas. "I think he's found peace of mind and he's happy with the decision."

Although his Knicks comeback did not work out, Houston's legacy remains one of the greatest in team history. He averaged 17.3 points and shot 40.2 percent from 3-point range in his NBA career and had his best seasons during his nine years with the Knicks after joining the team as a free agent in 1996. He will always be remembered for his role in leading the team to the 1999 NBA Finals, and he also represented the Knicks at both the 2000 and 2001 NBA All-Star Games.

"He's one of those true veteran, true professional guys," said Knicks forward David Lee after learning that Houston was leaving the team during the preseason. "I know he was hoping to come back and help us this year and for the time he was with us he did help us. He gave me a lot of advice even in the week or so he was with us. … I just wish the best for him and his family and we were glad to have him when we did.

Knicks center forward Eddy Curry was also disappointed to see Houston go.

"I thought he looked good. I was shocked he decided not to continue," said Curry. "He's a great guy and a great friend, and I wish him the best."