It has taken exactly one preseason game for New York fans to bask in their optimism, as new Knick Jamal Crawford scored 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and 6 assists, in a 92-84 victory over New Jersey.

With Allan Houston sidelined indefinitely with sore knees, Crawford will remain in the lineup and is likely to open the season as the starting shooting guard.

Crawford had been on the Knicks' radar for the past two seasons. After Houston's injury kept him out of the playoffs and weakened the Knicks' backcourt depth, Thomas was desperate to find insurance, as well as a successor, to Houston. The Knicks made a huge commitment to Crawford while sending four players with expiring contracts to Chicago: Dikembe Mutombo, Frank Williams, Othella Harrington and Cezary Trybanski.

"I thought it was a great signing for the Knicks," Nets assistant coach Bill Cartwright said. "The upside to Jamal is incredible."

The Knicks believe that Crawford's poor shot selection is responsible for his low percentage and that Stephon Marbury's presence will give him more chances to take spot-up jumpers instead of always trying to score off the dribble. Last night, Crawford made just four of 13 shots, including three of seven three-point attempts.

"How good he wants to be is up to him," Cartwright added. "When Scottie Pippen came into the league, he couldn't make a 10-foot jump shot but he eventually became a good three-point shooter and one of the best to ever play the game. Jamal can be whatever he wants to be. He can already score and he's gotten better every year."

At 6-5 and 190 pounds, Crawford can play either guard position. Cartwright is convinced that Crawford can eventually play small forward as well. But for now, Crawford gives the Knicks another ball-handler and passer in the backcourt.

"In our offense it doesn't matter who handles the ball," Marbury said. "It makes us effective because we have two guys on the wing that can make plays. We already knew that that Jamal was good and could play. We didn't know he was as talented as he was playing the point."