Morris Almond is enjoying a solid showing with the Knicks Summer League team. NBAE/Getty Images

Las Vegas, NV - In 2007, the NBA Draft was abuzz about a sweet-shooting guard out of Rice drawing comparisons to former Knicks sniper Allan Houston. Two years later, Morris Almond has himself in position to bring fans at The Garden to their feet just like Houston did for years with his uncanny knack for draining the three.

While he is certainly known for his sweet stroke, Almond has also shown a knack for scoring in a wide variety of ways while suiting up for New York at NBA Summer League presented by EA Sports in Las Vegas, NV. His most impressive play was a dynamic, thunderous slam along the baseline with 1:46 remaining in the first quarter of Friday’s 84-71 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Almond also thinks his 12 point, two rebound, one assist, one steal and one block performance against the Kings was his most impressive display yet, showing he is more than just a shooter but a player who can produce in many facets of the game.

“I think this was my best game yet,” he said. “I am just trying to play hard and show I can make an impact on both ends of the floor. That’s the main thing. Shooting, that always has come naturally to me, but I am trying to get myself noticed for other things too.”

After being drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 25th pick, two selections after the Knicks drafted Wilson Chandler, Almond appeared in just 34 games over the last two seasons, averaging 3.1 points in just 8.6 minutes per game, never truly getting the opportunity to put his talent on display. In fact, Knicks President of Basketball Operations tried to wrestle him away from the Jazz last season, hoping Utah would trade him due to their log-jam in the backcourt.

“He’s a guy that we’ve had an eye on for a while,” Walsh said following the Knicks first game of the week. “I tried to work out a deal last year to get him but we couldn’t work it out. I felt lucky that he was out there to bring in to play for us and he has been impressive. He can shoot the ball, everyone knows that. But I didn’t know how he would do defensively and he has done well and shown that he can handle a lot of facets of the game.”

The fact that Walsh has long been a fan of his was not lost on Almond after he parted ways with Utah.

“That’s part of the reason I am here with them now,” he said. “I talked with my agent, and he told me how the Knicks showed the most interest in me, and I am glad to be here. It’s funny how this league works. Every time you step on the court you never know who is watching you. You are always playing to help the team you are with, but you also have to show you have what it takes to play in this league. Obviously I made an impression on the people here, and that is flattering to know that I am wanted here.”

Almond also fits in seamlessly with the Knicks pair of rookies since just like Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas, he hails from Georgia as well.

“They are great guys and great players,” said Almond. “They both have a bright future and the Knicks are lucky to have them in this organization. They are both Georgia guys and I hail from Atlanta myself, so it’s been a lot of fun playing with them. We have a great connection.”

Hopefully for both Almond and the Knicks, it is a connection they can continue to cultivate come October and bring to The Garden for years to come.