Former New York Knicks shooting guard Allan Houston is the front-runner to be the team's next general manager under team president Donnie Walsh, according to league sources.

Walsh would neither confirm nor deny Houston's status. "He is working with me to learn the position of GM, whether with the Knicks or elsewhere," Walsh said. "I feel Allan has the tools to be a great GM."

Sources said both owner James Dolan and coach Mike D'Antoni are comfortable with Houston, who is currently listed as the team's special assistant to the president.

Ric Bucher covers the NBA for ESPN The Magazine.