Allan Houston took another step toward his attempted comeback yesterday, scrimmaging with a group of young players at the Nets' practice facility near the Meadowlands.

But his agent suggested the shooting guard might prefer to return to the Knicks. Houston has also worked out at the Knicks' facility in Greenburgh several times recently, according to the agent, Bill Strickland.

Strickland said that the former Knick star is strongly considering rejoining the team he played with for nine seasons before an arthritic left knee forced him into retirement nearly two years ago. The Knicks, like the Nets, have invited Houston to training camp, which begins in less than two weeks. Neither team has offered the 36-year-old a guaranteed deal, and neither is likely to do so unless he makes the club.