A strange development we've been following closely here during the Knicks coaching search is the evolving situation between Patrick Ewing and his former team.
You all remember that Ewing over the weekend went on TNT with John Thompson and admitted that it “bothered” him to not get a call from the Knicks regarding the coaching vacancy.
“Obviously I played in New York, I know the area, I know the team, I know the fans, I know everybody, I know the media,” the Big Fella said. “So, naturally, I would have loved to interview.”
So why not pick up the phone?
We're told that Ewing, nor anyone among his representation, has reached out to Donnie Walsh to express said interest.
The campaign started last week in Orlando, however. Magic GM Otis Smith said no one would need permission to contact their assistants. And Stan Van Gundy went out of his way to promote Ewing as someone who should be a candidate for the Knicks job.
They're basically giving Patrick all the approval he needs to pursue the job, even in the midst of a playoff run.
And . . . ?
“Donnie’s wondering why someone hasn’t called,” said a person with knowledge of the situation.
During his playing career, David Falk represented Ewing. But, as per NBA rules, Falk can not represent clients in coaching and management positions while also representing players, so Ewing has to find someone else to represent him. Not too difficult. Falk's gotta know a few reputable people.
It would then be up to that person to contact Walsh. But...
didn't Ewing earlier this month say he would prefer to be contacted?
“I think it would probably be best if they came to me,” Ewing said on April 6, when the Orlando Magic visited the Garden.
According to the source I spoke with, that isn’t the best plan of action.
“Considering the quality of candidates who have called,” the source said, “that kind of sense of entitlement is going to hurt him in the end.”
It seems Ewing's best chance of a return to the Knicks is as an assistant coach, perhaps on Mark Jackson's staff. Herb Williams would also look to bring The Big Fella in, if he got the job.
But, after this experience, would Ewing accept the invitation?
Comments (24)
Alan, I don't understand this fascination with Pat Ewing? When he played here, he was a terrible communicator, was relatively standoffish to the press, and was not very friendly to the fans. He turned down autographs on "game days," even if he wasn't playing that night.
Also, he was aloof with his teammates, and didn't seem to be a particularly analytical player.
So why should he be a head coach?
33 wouldnt be a good coach at all. he's a fine big-man assistant coach, but i just dont see him being a good coach, or even a decent coach.
let him be an assistant for jax and he work on making curry a man.
Pat has coached in this league and done a good job, no one he has worked for questioned his work ethic... I never loved Ewing as a player because I thought he was a little too focused on being the man, and not being a great team player when he had the strong personnel around him... But if Mark's showboating and "rats" comment isnt being held against him neither should Ewings past transgressions... But as an asst he has proved he can be a team guy, he has humbled himself recognizing that he has alot to learn in the caoching area...
Gotta respect that... And he deserves a call...
He shouldnt have to call the Knicks he has expressed his interest numerous times... As a friend of Herb I dont think he wanted to openly campaign for the job... Walsh called JVG, who said the same thing... So there is a double standard there.... Pat might not be a HC in this league but shouldnt he be able to get an interview...
I'll never question Patrick Ewing's heart, or what he meant to the Knicks as a player. But he was stubborn, refused to develop his game or change as he grew older and less able to shoulder the offensive load (hello, passing out of a double-team?). He didn't seem to understand the game well enough--or, worse, didn't even want to try--in order to maximize his own abilities and, above all, maximize the abilities of his players.
I watched in horror as he and Jeff Van Gundy turned Yao Ming into a one-dimensional, back-it-in low post scorer. Sure, Yao's got a nice touch and he's big enough to score...but he also used to have one of the best passing touches in the NBA. Adelman tried all season, till he got hurt, to elicit that part of his game from him again, and it was like Yao was so traumatized he'd forgotten he knew how to pass the ball.
Maybe I'm harsh, but Ewing grades out with a solid 'F' for his work in Houston.
His pride is working against him how, if he thinks he's such a special candidate that none of his reps should contact Walsh. Considering he was the face and voice of the players' union during the lockout, and he uttered the classic line, "Yeah, we make a lot, but we spend a lot, too," it makes me laugh out loud to see what Patrick considers smart lobbying.
people working for the knicks org are such girls. get over the past and get business done. all this is hurting the overall progression of our team.
Patrick Ewing did credible jobs with the big men he helped coach. However, PE was never flexible or even communicative as a player.
He refused to play power forward to accommodate a less mobile Bill Cartwright, the way Tim Duncan and David Robinson unselfishly teamed up. P Ew rarely passed out of a double team and when he got older refused to take a less active offensive role -- despite his diminishing skills and speed. His selfishness forced the Knicks to trade him rather than let him play out his contract. They did out of respect for him despite the big hits they took in both the lack of equity in what they took back and the expiring contract that they should have used to reduce their cap, There is bad blood there and yet P Ew insists that Walsh MUST contact him. P Ew as an assistant? Perhaps. As a head coach for the Knicks now? IMHO: No way!!!
Frazier for GM, Jackson for Head coach, trade Randolph or Curry
So......Thomas still won't consider Ewing?
Some things never change! LOL
This EGO TRIP can't end in Patrick being coach. Let him be an assistant long enough to eat Humble Pie and realize that even Larry Brown had to wait until he was in his sixties to coach in NY and no one is going to beg Ewing to give him the job
Frazier for head coach. The guy is very bright and knows the game
Why should Patrick have to pick up the phone? The Knicks have had multiple opportunities over the years to offer him some sort of position with the organization. The Knicks just keep on ignoring him. That's because the people "in charge" (ie Steve Mills) seemed to have forgotten who is responsible for them to have been sold out for decades and at one time had a waiting list for season tickets.
as for the morons who say Patrick was a bad communicator, didnt sign autographs on game days, didnt have a personality -- you've never once heard a coach or teammate say he was a bad communicator, so stop making BS up. Would you have rather him hold an autograph session instead of practicing or improving his game? Would you have rather him be laughing and not taking the game seriously like the Knicks players do now, or would you rather have him be one of the hardest working players to put on a Knicks uniform and be named as one of the top 50 players in the league? Get real.
It's more than just the autographs, Leon, though lots of fans remember that. Pat was pretty self-centered at times, but when you're a major star like he was, that's understandable. As for improving his game...beyond a mid-range shot, and extra muscle, what did he improve, exactly, over the years? Ewing became more of an offensive liability in his mid-to late-30's, because he insisted on being the first and last option on a team with more athletic and younger scorers. He ran off Don Nelson because Nelson wanted him to pass out of the post,and become less of a scoring option. Basically, Ewing seemed to have the same attitude toward his coaches and teammates that he had toward fans.
That's head-coaching material?
Like I said, I don't question the guy's heart. But his brain...that I question. In a big way.
Ewing's ego is WAY out of control. There are very successful and experienced coachs that are contacting the Knicks and making their desire to be interviewed known. They aren't sitting by the phone like a teenage girl hoping that the hot guy they like calls. If you want a job you have to go after it. That goes double if the general impression of you is that you DONT have the analytical skills to be a head coach. Ewing needs to get over the fact that he was a great player and realize that as a coach he's just another guy. He is entitled to ZERO!
Ewing did adjust his game as he got older to compensate for his lack of mobility. And Mike isn't the first person to say that Ewing was somewhat selfish and impersonal with the fans. I actually agree with Anonymous (can't believe I am saying that), if you want a job you have to go after it, no one gives you anything in this life and people remember what you have done for them lately.
Knicks need to stay focused: a defensive minded coach who can help develop young talent and can communicate with the media. Peaceman have you said who your choice is, I can't remember?
It's a no brainer:
ISIAH THOMAS
They need Ewing or some other former great defensive center to teach Curry how to play D and be tough and responsible for clogging the middle, or else they should get rid of Curry because he's totally clueless. Herb Williams taught him nothing so he must be useless as a coach. When Herb was interim coach all he did was diagram plays and displayed no fire or emotion whatsoever. I'd try Jackson as coach with Ewing as Curry's teacher. Herb and the rest must go. Karl, D'Antoni, Iavaroni teach no D -- Walsh would be crazy to even talk to them. Try Jax. How bout Hubie Brown as his assistant coach for a year? Knix need to get serious....how long can this loser crap go on?
DTR
I googled the list of potential NBA free agents for 2008, and Stephon Marbury's name is on the unrestricted list for the Knicks, along with Fred Jones. I thought Steph's contract ran out next year? I am not too familiar with how the cap and free agency works in the NBA, so what I am basically asking is if Steph is a free agent? Because if he is, there is no definitely no way the Knicks would re-sign him to anything, right?
you are all losers who need to get a life.
ALAN,
That was exactly what I posted in the last thread.
Ewing wants things done his way. His sense of entitlement will continue to harm him. I'm not endorsing Ewing in any way but to think that he expects the Knicks City Dancers to entice him and send him an invite on a Silver Platter is ludicrous.
We all know who Kareem is and what he has done for the Lakers. Kareem has been pursuing a coaching position for many years now. Did the Lakers gift wrap a job for him? Heck no! If it wasn't for Team Bynum, Jabbar probably would not be employed by the Lakers. (I recall reading somewhere that it was not the Laker's idea to bring him in but actually someone from Bynum's camp.) In any event, Lakers did not hand Kareem a job on a silver platter.
Ewing should do the right thing.
Tim Thibodeau (spelling?) should get strong consideration. He should call Donnie pronto if his current employer would allow it.
Big MAK
PS:
Did Zeke ever figure out if Walsh wants his coffee black or with cream & sugar in the morning?
I agree with the sentiment that the Big Fella would likely NOT be a good coach, given the way he was as a player. That said, I still think he needs to be reunited with the team, or least be brought in for a talk.
If Jax becomes coach, his first call should be to an experienced head coach for an assistant role, his second call should be to Patrick Ewing (and his third call should be to get referrals for good shrinks in the area).
I'm not an advocate of having Jackson being our head coach without any coaching experience. I'll be very happy if Jax gets the job and proves me wrong, but that's how I feel.
I'm disappointed that JVG doesn't want the gig. Having him, Jackson and Ewing on the bench could really go a long way.
Larry Brown in Charlotte! HA HA HA HA! Good luck to MJ!
Isiah Thomas is our only coach. Stephon Marbury is our point guard. Now shut up and get in the truck.
I understand that the Almighty Zeke has been in training and has been attending workshops on the fine intricacies of spit-shining Dolan and Walsh's shoes.
Service coffee, cleaning uninals, and spit-shining the big boy's shoes for $ 18.0 mil............ precious.
Stan Van Gundy and Billy The Kid are not available.
Tim Thibodeau (spelling?) is the man.
Peaceman,
I see you continue to be a stubborn jackazz no matter what venue you are stinking up. Your boy Thomas is now being paid to stay home rather than infect the club by being seen, heard, or spoken to. I see it all worked out just like you said. hahahahahahahaahahaha. I think you can stop riding Zeke's sac now kid.
All of you are colossal jacka$$ idiots...(signed 0 a Patrick Ewing fan)