Stern Makes Sprewell an All-Star

W A S H I N G T O N, Feb. 1 -- Three years ago, David Stern was trying to keepLatrell Sprewell out of the NBA.

On Wednesday, Stern made Sprewell an All-Star again.

The NBA commissioner chose Sprewell and Dikembe Mutombo onWednesday as replacements for injured Eastern Conference All-StarsGrant Hill and Alonzo Mourning.

Stern might still get an additional pick or two if ShaquilleO'Neal and Vince Carter can't recover from injuries in time. O'Nealmissed his third consecutive game Wednesday night with an inflamedarch on his right foot, and Carter did not travel with the Raptorsfor their game at Atlanta on Wednesday night.

Lawsuit Still Pending

Stern's choice of Sprewell was a bit surprising given thehistory between the two. The commissioner suspended Sprewell for ayear in 1997 for attacking his coach, and Sprewell went toarbitration and to court to have the suspension reduced.

Sprewell still has a lawsuit pending against the league,claiming he was unjustly punished for choking P.J. Carlesimo duringpractice when the two were with the Golden State Warriors.

Sprewell was not available for comment after his selection wasannounced, but told reporters earlier Wednesday that it would be"special" to be selected by Stern.

"I've worked hard, I think, since I've been back, since thesuspension, and I think everything is behind me now. It should bejust about the way I performed this year. We'll see."

Stern was not available for comment.

Sprewell, a three-time All-Star when he played for Golden State,is averaging 17.3 points for the New York Knicks, who have thesecond-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Mutombo, a six-time All-Star, currently leads the league inrebounding with an average of 13.8.

On Tuesday, the NBA announced the results of the coaches' votingfor the reserves. Picked in the Western Conference for the Feb. 11game in Washington were Karl Malone (Utah), Antonio McDyess(Denver), David Robinson (San Antonio), Gary Payton (Seattle),Michael Finley (Dallas), Rasheed Wallace (Portland) and KevinGarnett (Minnesota).