Ewing rejoins Van Gundy as assistant coach -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESPN.com news services WASHINGTON -- Patrick Ewing officially reunited with Jeff Van Gundy on Wednesday. Ewing has joined the Rockets' coaching staff as an assistant, Houston owner Les Alexander told Bloomberg News via e-mail. Van Gundy was an assistant coach, then a head coach, with the Knicks while Ewing was the starting center. Van Gundy was the head coach for Ewing's last five years with the Knicks. Van Gundy was named head coach of the Rockets in May, replacing Rudy Tomjanovich, who is battling bladder cancer. Earlier Wednesday, Ewing was released from the final two months of his contract with the Wizards. Washington general manager Ernie Grunfeld, who used to serve that role with the Knicks, made the decision to release Ewing from his contractual obligations with the Wizards. Grunfeld officially became Washington's general manager on Tuesday. "Patrick and I have a long-standing friendship,'' Grunfeld said. "I know that he has another great opportunity, and we will not stand in his way.'' Ewing, a future Hall of Fame center, likely will focus much of his attention to young 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming, who averaged 13.5 points and 8.2 points in his rookie season, but still remains a somewhat raw talent. Coincidentally, Yao became interested in hoops while watching the 1994 Finals -- which included Ewing's Knicks -- according to Bloomberg. After announcing his retirement in September, Ewing was lured to Washington by Michael Jordan to serve as an assistant coach. However, Jordan was fired as president of basketball operations in May. The Wizards named Phil Hubbard to replace Ewing as their third assistant. Hubbard spent the past three seasons as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.
I like this move. Go Hoyas Go! I mean Come Hoyas* Come**! Wait a minute, this has already been mentioned in this thread *Mourning ** to Houston
I'm not opposed to it. As I've said before, I think Ewing just adds to Houston's illustrious big-man legacy. He doesn't strike me as a born-to-coach kind of talent, but I'm sure he has knowledge to bring. His coming is somewhat tarnished for me by his failed attempt to follow Jordan around. Now that he's in the fold, though, I doubt we'll have to hear much about him -- he is just an assistant after all.
It's going to be a season of adjustments... Not seeing Rudy drinking on the sidelines... Seeing some weird looking troll guy who apparently hasn't slept in years running the team.. Patrick freakin' Ewing as an assistant coach... Wait...is that a cold front blowing through. Oh never mind, it's just hell freezing over.
Damnit. I hate Ewing w/ a passion and now he's a Rocket?!?! They should of hired Hakeem instead of that orangutan!
Did the Rockets even offer Dream a job? Thats what puzzles me. If he was offered the job and said no. Thats fine but the Rockets should have offered the job to Dream first. This is JVG's team now so get ready for more letdowns.
If he helps our team, it's good. if he can't, it's bad. Forget emotions and the past. If Texas can Hire Darryl Royal from Oklahoma, we can hire Ewing.
As much I feel weird about seeing Ewing sitting on our bench, I think he might be more ideal for Yao than Hakeem. Patrick was a very mechanical/fundamental looking player. Hakeem was all athleticism and creativity. I mean, what part of Hakeem's game would he really be able to teach Yao?
I think Dream has shifted his focus to his family, religion, and his businesses. He has never expressed an interest in coaching. Maybe somewhere down the line, he'll change his mind. Ewing has one year of experience under Doc Rivers, which should prove valuable.
His shot blocking! but that being said, Dream has never entertained the idea of coaching. I'm more disappointed we didnt get Mario Elie. I dont want just all ex Knicks as our entire coaching staff!
