Patrick Ewing finally has been offered a head coaching job – with the Orlando Magic’s summer league squad.
“You think that’s the only job I can get?” Ewing told the Orlando Sentinel’s Brian Schmitz, who had this story in his Magic blog. “Actually, I’m looking forward to coaching these guys this summer. It will be a good experience.”
It’s the right move for Patrick to get some experience as a head coach and show higher-ups around the league that he’s committed to sitting in the first seat on the bench someday. Ewing has expressed disappointment that the Knicks haven’t contacted him about their head coaching job.
I have mixed feelings about this. First, I think Donnie Walsh should be extremely patient with this hire, wait until the game of musical chairs is over, and hire the best available coach. That means a coach with experience. In my opinion, Ewing doesn’t have enough. On the other hand, at least he actually has worked as an assistant coach, unlike Mark Jackson.
Ewing’s time will come. He worked wonders with Yao Ming in Houston, and his fingerprints are all over the vastly improved offensive game that Dwight Howard is displaying.
While we're on the subject, I’m starting to wonder if Donnie Walsh is interviewing potential basketball coaches and GMs or contestants for “Dancing With The Stars.” Kenny Smith? If this is the kind of splash Walsh is looking to make, why not interview Reggie Miller? Or Cheryl Miller, for that matter? They fit the lone criteria I’ve detected thus far: They're broadcasters.
I just keep reminding myself that Walsh is extremely shrewd and intelligent, which makes me believe that all of these celebrity candidates getting interviews are part of a smokescreen. Might as well generate some buzz until he has a chance to interview the best candidate, Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau.
Thibs and Doc Rivers have their hands full at the moment, don’t they? The Hawks have awakened to tie their first-round series with the mighty Celtics at 2-2 heading to Boston for Game 5 tomorrow night. As a former Atlanta resident whose family lives there, it was good to see the building rocking last night. It’s been a looooooong time since the ATL’s NBA team has been anywhere close to the radar there. Good for the Hawks. Good for Mike Woodson, a fellow IU guy who might have just saved his job.
Having said all this, I still think the Celts will handle their business in six.
Comments (2)
K-Berg:
how far do you think the hornets will go?
Ok, I'll say it, I think Ewing is too dumb to be a good head coach.
That said, I give him credit for putting and effort in the time to become one.
There are full of pro players who spent their whole lives as assistants and never got the chance. Ewing will probably be one of those.
But unlike Mark Jackson, Ewing has been getting valuable experience.
So as much as I dont think Ewing should be coach, he is at least better prepared and has showned a willingness to learn a new job and if it was between him and Jax, I would chose Ewing.
Btw, Ive been reading newspapers my whole life, doesnt make me prepared to write for one or teach journalism.