Allan Houston, an eternal optimist despite the Knicks' troubles the last two seasons, today became the first Knicks teammate of Latrell Sprewell's to comment publicly on the deal that sent Sprewell to Minnesota and brought Keith Van Horn to town.

Houston, the Knicks' captain, would seem to be the best face for the maligned organization to place on display. But asked whether he viewed the deal positively, Houston admitted he was ambivalent.

"We'll see if it's a positive move," he said today. "I know the Knicks' intentions were to get bigger. It's just weird because in this business, you can lose somebody who you've had and who's been so valuable to you, to your team, and someone who has just been such a big part of the organization, and that's just part of the business.

"And unfortunately it was somebody who everyone in New York loved. He brought an energy to us that we haven't had. I don't know."

Much of the Knicks' success this season will hinge on the condition of Antonio McDyess and of Houston, who is recovering from off-season arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Houston said he stopped using crutches in the last week and has begun running in water.

Van Horn, traded to the Knicks from Philadelphia, said Monday that he believes the deal will improve the team. But Houston, while saying he hoped for the best, admitted he wondered how the loss of Sprewell would affect the Knicks.