He loves New York. Latrell Sprewell made that clear Thursday in the first chance for one of the newest Timberwolves to meet the press.

But he loves winning more.

And that might be why Sprewell smiled so easily, so often, Thursday afternoon. The event was held at the Hospitality House on Minneapolis' north side; Sprewell's introduction was combined with a donation from the Wolves to the community center.

Moments later, Sprewell talked about what he could give to the Timberwolves. He admitted to a few moments of doubt when it came to leaving the Big Apple. But he got over it quickly.

"Initially, yeah, because I love New York so much," Sprewell said. "But then I kind of bumped my head and said, 'Well, there is Sam [Cassell], me, Wally [Szczerbiak], Kevin [Garnett], and [Michael] Olowokandi.' Then I started smiling a little bit."

It should be noted that Wolves Vice President Kevin McHale and coach Flip Saunders, sitting on each side of Sprewell, were smiling, too.

McHale has had his busiest offseason ever, signing Olowokandi and trading for Cassell, Ervin Johnson and Sprewell. This roster had Sprewell's head spinning with possibilities. Sprewell will turn 33 next month. He comes to the Wolves with a career filled with both controversy and accomplishment.

And no championship rings.

And right now, he said, that's really the only issue.