Latrell Sprewell’s All-Star chances could hinge on Grant Hill’s lower back. Last night against Toronto, Hill was expected to miss his fifth game in seven contests and third straight with a lower back strain.
If he’s not much improved, Hill will skip next weekend’s All-Star Game in Oakland, where he was to start at small forward, and Sprewell, who was snubbed by the coaches in the voting for reserves, could take his place.
“I knew he was hurt,” Spree said. “We’ll see. I just plan on being home [in Milwaukee] at this point. I wouldn’t decline. Obviously I’ll go.”
If Hills pulls out, commissioner David Stern will pick the alternate.
“I don’t want to comment on that,” Sprewell said.
Stern’s office fined Sprewell $10,000 on his last trip to Oakland for cursing out jeering fans Nov. 20, and Stern may not want to risk another ugly scene. The Nets’ Stephon Marbury could be the pick since Jeff Van Gundy’s East squad doesn’t have a legitimate point guard.
With the trading deadline approaching Feb. 24, Sprewell, with his new five-year contract extension in place, appears to be safe. The Knicks are still looking to upgrade their point-guard position but so far are not willing to deal Spree. GM Scott Layden’s vote of confidence to the point guards is an indication that the Knicks are likely not going to be able to swing a deal, try as they might.
However, The Post has learned Layden has delayed his trip to France to scout Frederic Weis to the week after the trading deadline in case something shakes out on the point-guard front. Rod Strickland, Gary Payton, Terrell Brandon and Damon Stoudamire are all point guards the Knicks have pursued at some point.
“You can never feel safe,” Sprewell said. “I feel good about being here and hope I’ll remain.”
Tomorrow’s showdown vs. Miami will be with a share of first place on the line. The Heat walloped the Knicks in their first meeting at the Garden in November. “They wanted us more in that first game than we wanted them,” Van Gundy said … Walt Frazier has joined the list of New York dignitaries in recording an announcement for taxis to remind riders to buckle their seat belt. As is his trademark, the announcement is in rhyme.
