Former league outcast earns an All-Star spot

NEW YORK - Three years ago, David Stern was trying to keepLatrell Sprewell out of the NBA. On Wednesday, Stern made Sprewellan All-Star again.

The NBA commissioner chose Sprewell and Dikembe Mutombo onWednesday as replacements for injured Eastern Conference All-StarsGrant Hill and Alonzo Mourning.

Stern might still get an additional pick or two if ShaquilleO'Neal and Vince Carter can't recover from injuries in time. O'Nealmissed his third consecutive game Wednesday night with an inflamedarch on his right foot, and Carter did not travel with the Raptorsfor their game at Atlanta on Wednesday night.

Stern's choice of Sprewell was a bit surprising given the …