LONDON — Latrell Sprewell got it right with the Knicks back in the day. When Jeff Van Gundy resigned early in the 2001-2002 season, as other players rejoiced the prospect of having a less dour leader, Sprewell voiced this sentiment: “Be careful what you wish for.’’

The Knicks have captured one playoff series since Van Gundy’s departure. Now Sprewell, back in the Knicks’ family, has a new prediction. The baby Knicks are on the right track with the right coach and the right work ethic that should lead to something special down the pike.

Representing the Knicks in London, Sprewell spent several days working kids clinics and sat courtside next to Earl Monroe Thursday night at O-2 Arena for the Knicks’ goaltending-tinged, last-second defeat to the Wizards, 101-100.

“I see them working hard,’’ said Sprewell, the key piece to the Knicks’ 1999 run to The Finals. “I know it’s tough when you’re not winning. It’s not easy, but I see the effort and they keep plugging away at it. From what I’ve seen, they’re working hard at it.

“They’re young. That’s the thing. You have so much room for improvement. If they’re out there putting in the effort, they’re definitely going to improve.”

Sprewell has been to one Knicks practice, working with players.

“The guys play hard, they come out and compete,’’Sprewell said. “They’re practicing hard. That’s what you have to do when things aren’t going well. You got to keep plugging at it, trying to get better every day.”

In London, Fizdale didn’t play anyone over 26 years old. Their three oldest players, Courtney Lee, 33, Lance Thomas, 30, and Trey Burke, 26, were DNPs.

One startling development, despite a 10-34 record, the players have grown fonder of Fizdale as the wrecked season has dragged on.

Sprewell, who rehabilitated his career with the Knicks after choking his Warriors coach, P.J. Carlesimo, has Fizdale’s back.

“He’s a player’s coach,’’ said Sprewell. “Even watching him from a far when (Fizdale) was at Memphis, all the guys loved him. It seems the same way here.

“He has a great relationship with the guys. That’s very important when you’re losing and trying to develop the type of chemistry and getting guys on the same page. You got to get them to believe in you and what you’re trying to teach them. He definitely has that.”

If asked, Sprewell said he’d love to work more with the youngsters. Kevin Knox, their lottery-pick rookie, showed he still has a lot of work to do after a lousy London outing shooting 2 of 11 for five points.

“(Knox) is young with a big upside,’’ Sprewell said. “He likes to shoot. That’s a good thing. He’s not shy. He’s tall, long and he’s going to get stronger. He’s got a great upside. I’ve talked to all the guys. I haven’t worked with them much.”

Fizdale has tapped into the well of the Knicks alumni, though Sprewell’s return to the fold was orchestrated two years ago by former Knicks public-relations guru Jonathan Supranowitz.

Assistant GM Allan Houston worked at a practice last week with players on the art “of getting open and creating space”, Fizdale revealed.

Monroe, who made a surprise London appearance, spent time with starting point guard Emmanuel Mudiay on the trip. Fizdale said he wants Sprewell to work with his “big wing” players such as Knox, Allonzo Trier, Damyean Dotson, Tim Hardaway Jr.

“I’m definitely open to it,’’ Sprewell said. “Anything I can do to have these guys get better, I’m willing to do that for sure.”

If not technique, Sprewell can enlighten the Knicks of the pressures of New York, especially when they get good.

“You have to have a certain toughness and confidence level to play in New York,’’ Sprewell said. “The fans are very knowledgeable. They understand the game. They expect you to play hard. They want to see a lot of effort from you. It can be tough. If you do the right things, play the right way, New York fans definitely appreciate that. That’s the first thing I noticed when I came here.”