The well-wishers sounded sincere. The Nets brass and star player seemed to hope that team across the river would prove a good home for formerly one of their own, Keith Van Horn.

“I wish Keith a lot of luck,” said Jason Kidd, knowing what Van Horn is going through – for a second time. “I know it’s probably tough because he’s been traded twice and so I wish him the best of luck in New York. He’s a talented player. He just has to find a home. I thought he had a great season for Philly. . . . Keith will make the best of the situation. He’s never one to complain. He plays hard and he’s right across the river. So he’s on the rival side.”

Team president Rod Thorn, who dealt Van Horn to Philadelphia nearly one year ago, said the Knicks are getting a good talent who gives them a decided upgrade in size while providing versatility up front.

“Keith is a very talented player. I think they’ll play him some as we did, as Philly did, some at small forward some at power forward,” Thorn said. “He gives them much more size than they had. It balances their team better. Sprewell, who is a terrific player, played small forward against some teams, and it was a tough matchup for him.”

Byron Scott called Van Horn “a wonderful basketball player” and hoped “he can find a home in New York and play well.” But Scott knows the area market and he knows Van Horn is going to be likely the second option behind Allan Houston and “that is a lot of pressure put upon him.”