Knicks’ answer to Iverson: No

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The New York Knicks have decided not to pursue Allen Iverson.

The Knicks were viewed as the favorites to sign Iverson, a 10-time all-star, after losing nine of their first 10 games for the worst start in team history. New York passed on signing Iverson (Hampton) in the summer when he was a free agent but revisited their decision after its bad start and the poor play of point guard Chris Duhon.

Iverson was waived by Memphis on Tuesday and became a free agent Thursday. Knicks President Donnie Walsh said he didn't feel the four-time scoring champion was the right fit at the beginning, but began to reconsider because it's "enticing to think that you can get a guy that can score the ball that way."

But the Knicks remain committed to building with young players and felt a player who shoots as much as Iverson could hinder that strategy.

McGrady, Rockets differ on readiness

ATLANTA - Tracy McGrady says he is ready to play. The Houston Rockets say he'll have to wait.

The seven-time all-star had microfracture surgery on his left knee in February but insisted that he's fully recovered before last night's game against Atlanta.

"Right now, I could play," he said.

Not so fast. The Rockets believe McGrady needs more time and would risk hurting his knee again if he comes back too soon. The next step is an MRI on Monday.

"We have a difference of opinion," coach Rick Adelman said. "He wants to play. He's not ready to play. It's as simple as that."

Both sides denied a Yahoo! Sports report that the situation degenerated into a heated argument before the Rockets' previous game.

Elsewhere

• Milwaukee center Andrew Bogut will be out two to four weeks after the former No. 1 pick was kicked in the left leg in a recent win. Bogut, averaging, 16.1 points and 9.2 rebounds, stayed in Wednesday's game vs. New Jersey for several minutes after he was kicked, but the pain grew worse and an MRI taken Thursday revealed that he had strained a ligament on the outside of his left calf to go along with a bruise.

• All-star point guard Devin Harris is expected to play today vs. the Knicks as winless New Jersey (0-12) tries to win its first game. Harris, who will come off the bench, has missed 10 games with an injured right groin.

• Cleveland center Shaquille O'Neal missed his fourth consecutive game with a strained right shoulder. The Cavaliers did get forward Anderson Varejao back from a bruised hip for last night's game vs. Indiana. Pacers forward Troy Murphy returned after missing six games with a bruised lower back.