SPREE TAKES HIGH ROAD IN NEW HOME
By MARC BERMAN
August 1, 2003 -- With a chance to needle Knicks owner James Dolan, Latrell Sprewell was as soft as a pussycat yesterday in his introductory press conference at a Minneapolis community center. However, Sprewell mentioned everyone by name in Knick management - lauded them, in fact - but never referred to the Cablevision magnate.
Asked if he thought the trade for Keith Van Horn was done for more than purely basketball reasons, Sprewell, wearing a pinstriped suit and sunglasses, said, "I really try not to understand what they were thinking. I would hate to think it was anything other than they just felt they did something that was best for their team."
Sprewell said he's spoken with Garden prez Steve Mills and Don Chaney and reached out to GM Scott Layden, who has staunchly denied trading Sprewell was an edict from Dolan because of Spree's past transgressions.
The Knicks wanted to get younger and longer in the frontcourt and achieved both missions in acquiring the 6-10 Van Horn. However, earlier this week, Allan Houston said he thought wars with management played "a little" role in the deal.
"I wish the Knicks the best," Sprewell said. "There are obviously some great people there."
When asked if he felt the Knicks were headed in the right direction, Spree said, "That remains to be seen."
While Sprewell says he didn't want to be traded, he acknowledged Minnesota will bring him closer to a championship run. Sprewell said the Wolves' starting five may be better than the 1999 Knicks that marched to The Finals.
"I did the math on that," Sprewell said. "It's a tossup. I may have to give the Knicks the edge. You're talking Patrick [Ewing], Larry [Johnson], Allan [Houston], myself, Marcus [Camby], Kurt [Thomas], Chris [Childs], Charlie [Ward]. That Knicks team that went to The Finals was pretty deep. This is very close, if not better. I don't think I've ever been a part of a starting five that is that deep on paper."
Sprewell moves to his natural shooting-guard position, playing alongside Sam Cassell. Kevin Garnett, center Michael Olowokandi and Wally Szczerbiak play up front.
Sprewell admitted he grew "frustrated" with two straight seasons of losing.
"It was more difficult," Sprewell said. "When you're winning and used to having success, it does become more frustrating, especially when you're in New York and there's a great deal of pressure on you to win. It's hard."
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