History of Latrell Sprewell in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 17, 2025

Latrell Sprewell is a former NBA player known for his time with the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. A four-time All-Star, he achieved All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive Second Team honors, contributing to the Knicks' 1999 NBA Finals appearance and the Timberwolves' 2004 Western Conference Finals run. Sprewell's career was significantly impacted by a 1997 incident where he physically assaulted Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo, leading to a 68-game suspension.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

September 8, 1970: Birth of Latrell Sprewell

On September 8, 1970, Latrell Fontaine Sprewell was born. He would later become a professional basketball player in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Joins Three Rivers Community College

In 1988, Latrell Sprewell began playing basketball for the Three Rivers Community College Raiders Basketball Team.

1990: Continues with Three Rivers and Joins Alabama Crimson Tide

In 1990, Latrell Sprewell continued playing for Three Rivers and joined the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team.

1992: Plays for Alabama Crimson Tide

In 1992, Latrell Sprewell played for the Alabama Crimson Tide with future NBA players.

1992: Drafted by Golden State Warriors

In 1992, Latrell Sprewell was drafted 24th overall by the Golden State Warriors.

1993: Fight with Byron Houston

In 1993, Latrell Sprewell fought with Byron Houston during a practice session.

1993: NBA All-Rookie Second Team Selection

In 1993, Latrell Sprewell was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

October 1994: Daughter Mauled by Pit Bulls

In October 1994, Latrell Sprewell's four-year-old daughter was mauled by two pet pit bulls in the family backyard, resulting in severe injuries.

1994: NBA All-Defensive Second Team Selection

In 1994, Latrell Sprewell was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

1995: Violent Incident with Jerome Kersey

In 1995, Latrell Sprewell had a violent incident with teammate Jerome Kersey during his time with the Warriors.

1995: NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 1995, Latrell Sprewell represented the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game.

December 1, 1997: Attacks Head Coach P.J. Carlesimo

On December 1, 1997, Latrell Sprewell attacked head coach P.J. Carlesimo during a Warriors practice, choking him for 7 to 10 seconds. He later returned and struck Carlesimo again.

1997: Incident with P.J. Carlesimo

In 1997, Latrell Sprewell choked and punched Golden State Warriors coach P. J. Carlesimo during practice, leading to a 68-game suspension.

1997: NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 1997, Latrell Sprewell represented the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game.

February 1999: Traded to the New York Knicks

In February 1999, after the NBA lockout, Latrell Sprewell was traded to the New York Knicks from the Warriors for John Starks, Chris Mills, and Terry Cummings.

September 1999: Featured on SLAM Magazine Cover

In September 1999, Latrell Sprewell was featured on the cover of SLAM Magazine following a strong performance in the NBA Finals.

1999: Knicks Reach NBA Finals

In 1999, Latrell Sprewell helped the New York Knicks reach the NBA Finals.

1999: Moved to Starting Lineup for the Knicks

In 1999, Latrell Sprewell moved into the Knicks' starting lineup and averaged 18.6 points.

2000: Named Knicks' Leader

In 2000, Latrell Sprewell became the Knicks' leader after Patrick Ewing was traded.

2000: Contract Extension with the Knicks

In 2000, after helping the Knicks to a strong record and averaging 19.7 ppg in the playoffs, Sprewell received a five-year $62 million contract extension.

2001: All-Star Appearance for the Knicks

In 2001, Latrell Sprewell made his only All-Star appearance for the Knicks, scoring 17.7 points.

2002: Broken Hand Incident and Lawsuit

In 2002, Latrell Sprewell reported to training camp with a broken hand, claiming he slipped on his yacht, leading to a fine and a lawsuit against the New York Post, which he lost.

2003: Joins Timberwolves

In 2003, Latrell Sprewell became part of the league's highest-scoring trio on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

October 31, 2004: Declines Timberwolves Contract Extension

On October 31, 2004, Latrell Sprewell declined a three-year, $21 million contract extension from the Minnesota Timberwolves, citing that he had "a family to feed."

2004: Timberwolves Reach Western Conference Finals

In 2004, Latrell Sprewell and the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals, finishing third in team scoring.

2004: Second Longest Suspension in NBA History

In 2004, Ron Artest eclipsed Latrell Sprewell's 68-game suspension, which was the second-longest suspension ever issued by the NBA at the time.

April 20, 2005: Final NBA Game

On April 20, 2005, Latrell Sprewell played his final NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs.

2005: Refuses to Play for Minimum Salary

In 2005, Latrell Sprewell's agent stated that he would rather retire than play for the NBA minimum salary, viewing it as insulting.

March 2006: Offered Contracts by Mavericks and Spurs

In March 2006, Latrell Sprewell was offered contracts by the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, but he failed to respond and remained a free agent.

August 30, 2006: Police Investigation of Alleged Assault

On August 30, 2006, Milwaukee police investigated a claim that Latrell Sprewell strangled a woman during consensual sex aboard his yacht. No charges were filed.

January 31, 2007: Lawsuit from Long-Term Companion

On January 31, 2007, Latrell Sprewell was sued for $200 million by his long-term companion for allegedly ending their relationship agreement.

August 22, 2007: Yacht Repossessed

On August 22, 2007, Latrell Sprewell's yacht was repossessed due to failure to pay and insure the vessel.

February 2008: Yacht Auctioned

In February 2008, Latrell Sprewell's yacht was auctioned for $856,000 after he defaulted on the mortgage.

July 2009: Foreclosure Status on Westchester Mansion

In July 2009, Latrell Sprewell's Westchester County, New York mansion went into foreclosure status, though the action was later dismissed.

2011: Owed Unpaid Income Taxes

In 2011, Latrell Sprewell owed the state of Wisconsin $3.5 million in unpaid income taxes.

January 1, 2013: Arrested for Disorderly Conduct

On January 1, 2013, Latrell Sprewell was arrested for disorderly conduct after police received complaints about loud music.

2022: Working with Knicks and MSG

As of 2022, Latrell Sprewell was working in community relations with the Knicks and as a media personality for Madison Square Garden.

2024: Timberwolves' only appearance in the conference finals

In 2004, Latrell Sprewell and the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals, which was their only appearance in the conference finals until 2024.