I am so crushed by this news! Unacceptable! Intolerable! Impossible! He must be retained at all costs. He is indespensable! I will start a petition immediately.
Thats a nice thought...I don't think it will happen...Hakeem is busy with so many other things in his life, that he doesn't want to be a coach....even during his Big Man camp he said he never wanted to be a coach with X's and Os....just likes to teach on the court, showing them what they can do....if the Rockets could make it happen, that would be sweet!!! Imagine the reception Hakeem would get in the first game when announced...Ok, I better stop dreaming cause it going to happen..
As mentioned by one of the other posters, Tiger Woods is hands down the best golfer but he needs a coach, doesn't he...You need a coach who can help you with technique and advice...how could it hurt?
How about Moses Malone? Yao needs work on his defense and rebounding, something Moses can surely teach him some tricks.
I always felt that and as much as I tried to feel different towards him as a Rocket I just never could. I resigned myself to just ignore the fact and focus on the rockets players.
Supposedly he wants to spend more time with his family. Translation: Pat needs more time to hook up with his honies on the side b/c working for the Rockets was taking up too much of his free time.
imo, this is a sign that Ewing feels Yao doesn't need anymore coaching from a HOFer big man, and he is looking for a better job coming off Yao's great Spring. Besides, Mutombo is a perfectly fine sparing partner for this year. Plus, Kareem is an asst coach for the Lakers/Phil Jackson. And, it's very doubtfull Hakeem will take a 9 month/yr job in the States. I consider this a good thing. Ewing wouldn't leave JVG with a job left unfinished. He's done his job.
I saw this last night and I can say it didn't happen soon enough...I know its wishful to think Hakeem would come in, but not as a coach, but a consultant to do one-on-one drills with Yao...that's all I ask...
Bring in Hakeem to coach Yao. He said he'd like to teach young players about basketball. Yao is still considered young. Dream will take Yao to a whole 'nother level.
That sounds good to me too plus it's more likely to happen than having him as a coach. Hakeem could come in anytime he wants between training camp in October until the end of the season and Yao/Rockets would be happy to have him.
I don't agree with those who are detractors of Ewing. He was a very dominant and tough player. Yao needed to learn toughness and dominance to get to the level he's at or nearing. Ewing was probably more valuable in practice with Yao, than on the sidelines. Patrick should be commended for the job he's done shoring up Yao's weaknesses. Ewing has been flirting with the job with the Knicks for awhile. I wish him all the best. I'd love for Yao to get some coaching from the Dream, from Moses, even from Mr. Sky Hook himself, but he doesn't need someone there all the time anymore. Now he needs to believe he can be the best and dominate consistently night in, night out, and set the bar higher than ever before. That may require someone like Tony Robbins, not Ewing.
I've found it very hard to care one way or the other about Ewing during his time with the Rockets. There was needless and unfounded bashing of him when Yao was struggling, but the same people weren't willing to give credit when Yao was doing well. The fact is that none of us know what exactly Ewing has or hasn't done with regards to Yao, and as I said before, it is very difficult for me to care about Patrick Ewing. I am basically unaffected by his departure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- i thinik he's with the Lakers now
