Before all
that the SG was a three time all-star who
averaged 20 points, 4 rebounds and
almost 5 assists per game while shooting 43% from the field (33% 3P). Sprewell also garnered the All-Star Game MVP
in the 1997. He was a really good player
who averaged a career 24 points and 6 assists per game in the 1996-1997
season. The Warriors as a whole were not
good and only made the playoffs or won more than 36 games once in his time with
Golden State. His time there ended with
a trade to the New York Knicks for John Starks, Chris Mills and Terry Cummings
in January 1999.
With the
Knicks Sprewell moved to small forward and though struggling with injuries
helped lead the team to through the playoffs as a number eight seed. The Knicks surprised everyone by making the
NBA Finals before finally bowing to the San Antonio Spurs four games to
one. Sprewell played well for the Knicks
averaging almost 18 points per game though his two-point shooting declined
while his three-point shot improved.
Sprewell made another all-star team with New York and the team made the
playoffs three out of the five seasons he was with the Knicks.
Sprewell was
traded in July of 2003 to the
Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a blockbuster
that also included Philadelphia and Atlanta.
His play wasn’t up to his career stats and had a career low 12 points
per game. But he did pair well with
Kevin Garnett and Sprewell’s first year with the team saw them advance to the
Western Conference Finals before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers. His last year in Minnesota, his career worst
statistically, the team won 44 games but did not make the playoffs. After the season he was offered a three year
$21M contract, a $5M per year pay cut.
Sprewell then uttered his famous line “I have a family to feed” and
declined the contract. While Sprewell
had other contract offers later in the season he wouldn’t swallow his pride and
take the lesser money they offered and never played another NBA game.
Latrell
Sprewell was his worst enemy. An
excellent player he continually found trouble and his image was a detriment
wherever he went. And for the most part
his issues made those opinions well deserved.
After his playing days he ran through what money he had and his
financial woes are well documented.
Sprewell is definitely one of those players who sabotaged himself over
and over which is too bad. He was so
talented and could have been a fan favorite, not the villain he became. He was seen lately at Knicks games and I was
impressed by his statements after the game.
I’m hoping that means he has matured some but that is no guarantee. I will always be a fan of Latrell Sprewell
with the caveat that he isn’t necessarily a feel good story.
I was a big fan of his...Still a fan. Still have his Warriors jersey but too fat to fit into it anymore. During his finals run with the Knicks he had something broken but I can't remember if it was a wrist or ankle. Ithink he kept it hidden at the time so he could keep playing. You are right in that he was his own worst enemy though.
ReplyDeleteI think he played through a foot injury. Sweet that you have his Jersey. Hard to find other Sprewell fans.
DeleteI've never been a basketball fan but I did play a lot of basketball video games back in the day and Sprewell was the MAN in the NBA Live series. Guy barely missed a 3-pointer, haha!
ReplyDeleteThere were always "those guys" in the video games that you could always count on.
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