LATRELL SPREWELL Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 195 pounds Age: 35 years old Stats: 12.8 points on 41.3% shooting (32.7% from three) and 2.2 assists in 30.6 minutes Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Talented.

The Warriors selected Sprewell with the 24th pick in the 1992 draft, 13 picks after the Rockets took his Alabama teammate Robert Horry. Sprewell was an immediate hit with his cat-like quickness and ferocity, making the All-NBA First team in his second season and by his fifth, he was averaging over 24 points a night on 45% shooting.

But everything changed in late 1997. Sprewell had bad blood with his coach, PJ Carlesimo, and during an argument in practice he choked and punched the Warriors head man. Latrell's name would live in NBA infamy from that point on, despite a year-long suspension, a fairly successful return to the league with the Knicks and a very good first-year run with the Timberwolves.

Now at 35 years old, Sprewell is again viewed as a malcontent, having moped about his contract status in Minnesota, an action many say contributed to the disastrous flop of a season by the Wolves. Yet, despite coming off the worst season of his career, Sprewell is still viewed as a tough nut who can create his own shot and defend bigger shooting guards.

Rocket Perspective
The Rockets' chemistry is to die for and their success has hinged on deferring to Tracy McGrady, minimizing mistakes and working for open, high-percentage looks. So why in the world would Houston go for Latrell Sprewell?

While they probably should not be considering this route, never underestimate the heart (and mind) of Jeff Van Gundy, who rarely sees a former Knick that he doesn't like, no matter the age. They spent years together in New York, including a run to the NBA Finals in 1999, and there is mutual respect there. Sprewell had his ups and downs with him, but respected how the current Rocket coach went to bat for him during his troubles and has claimed to be a big supporter of his.

"I'm a big fan of Jeff Van Gundy," said Sprewell after Van Gundy was stuck clinging on to Alonzo Mourning's leg when a fight broke out in the 1998 NBA playoffs. "You've gotta like his attitude. I remember seeing him hanging on to Alonzo's leg like a human weather vane. I thought it was hilarious! I mean, everybody did — the guy flopping around down there. But, you know, you have to admire a little guy for jumping into the fray like that."

That's sweet, but there's still a little matter of the here and now: Sprewell's 32.7% shooting from triple territory is a far cry from the longball accuracy of a David Wesley, but it may be size defensively that Van Gundy craves, and in this case Sprewell has 4-5 inches more than the also 35-year old Wesley to defend the West's big guards and small forwards.

Conclusion
Sprewell turned down a 3-year extension from Minnesota last summer and surely regrets it now as he's not likely to see an offer close to as financially rewarding. Barring unforeseen trades, it would be terribly unwise for the Rockets to use any of the MLE on a player like Sprewell, who doesn't fill an immediate need, but I could still see Van Gundy exploring his options here.

There is not likely to be a long list of suitors and don't look for the Timberwolves to bring flowers to his door, but they wouldn't mind something for the trouble. A trade of a signed Sprewell for Wesley, who has one year remaining on his deal, could appeal to Minnesota, but would it be a lateral move or downgrade for Houston? If not on the floor then off it, and would Van Gundy take that risk? Time will tell, but if he wanted size defensively to the point of potentially sacrificing chemistry, you have to wonder why he gave it up in Jim Jackson to get Wesley in the first place.