American · Milwaukee, Wisconsin · Born 8 September 1970American basketball shooting guard known for his athleticism and controversial moments, including his 1997 choking incident with coach P.J. Carlesimo
Latrell Sprewell was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1970. Golden State Warriors selected him fifth overall in the 1992 NBA Draft. His career produced 18.1 points per game and four All-Star appearances. He was one of the most physically gifted shooting guards of his era — explosive athleticism, defensive tenacity and scoring from multiple areas. His career was transformed by an incident in December 1997 when he choked coach P.J. Carlesimo during a practice dispute and later attacked him again — receiving a 68-game suspension and having his contract terminated. He was acquired by the New York Knicks in 1998 and immediately reached the NBA Finals that season — losing to San Antonio — in one of sport's most striking personal redemption arcs. He was named All-NBA Second Team. He averaged 24.8 points in the 1999 playoffs. He rejected a three-year, $21 million extension from the Timberwolves in 2004 saying he needed to feed his family — a quote that became one of the most referenced in sports contract negotiation history. His basketball legacy — before and after the choking incident — reflects one of the era's most complicated individual stories.
4x All-Star, NBA Finals run with Knicks, controversial incidents
How They Played
Athletic shooting guard/small forward with strong scoring ability
Lasting Impact
Talented but controversial shooting guard known for athleticism and scoring
Career Honours
- All-Star 4x
- All-NBA Second Team
- NBA Finals (1999)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 1992–1998 | 406 |
| New York Knicks | 1999–2003 | 275 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 2003–2005 | 148 |
American Athletes