I like the idea of Ewing being an assistant. I like the idea of having Ewing's experience as a top center in this league available to Yao and of course to Cato and Griffin. Would love for Ewing to pass along his knowledge to those players about playing the post position. Plus Ewing, still being only slightly removed from the game, could actually go out on the court and lead by example. He could play Yao in practice everyday and help him learn. It would be great experience! Elie seems like he would be a good assistant. I think it would be great if they added him to the staff! Absolutely! But if Van Gundy already has assistants similar to Elie perhaps VG would find adding Elie being redundant. I don't think adding Elie at the expense of Ewing is wise. Not in basketball terms. Ewing is different. He has expertise that none of the other assistants have and that Elie does not have which is being one of the 50 greatest players as a center in the NBA.
Exactly my feelings. Great Center and all, but would rather have someone that is close to the organization.
Sure I rather have Dream or Moses, but........... Quit Dreaming, Kareem, Dream, Moses, none of them have stepped forward to coach Yao. Van Gundy has a good relationship with Ewing, Ewing knows what Gundy will expect out of his big man. Ewing will be able to help convey to Yao exactly what Gundy is looking for. I see this as a good fit. I also hope they will work with Eddie, if he's around. the rivalry was about 10 years ago. get over it.
To me the 50 greatest players of all time deal means nothing in this specific situation. Ewing was great because he was #1 tall, #2 athletic #3 a good shooter and #4 competitor Yao already has those 4 down. Yao needs to develop the exceptional footwork and finesse he's flashed, plus improve positioning and his power game. He is already a better passer than Ewing and he has shown more agility and creativity than Ewing ever had. Ewing could help him improve his positioning and his jump hook, but past that I fear he might actually r****d Yao's development creatively. OK if he comes he comes, but I don't think he is the right one.
Did he work with any of the Knicks young big men at all during his career with the Knicks? It isn't always a sure thing that just because a player was good or even smart that they would make a good coach. And while some players would appear to automatically listen to or believe a well known pro like Ewing, Yao seems smart enough to look past that and take advise from someone regardless of their fame.
I am happy it seems Patrick will be on the staff. Moses and Hakeem said they wanted to help, but neither did a damned thing. Hakeem wouldn't even help Cato when he was playing here. So having a big man coach that has playoff experience and had a long successful career helping Cato, Yao, Mo Taylor and hopefully Eddie is a great thing.
I won't knock Patrick for his play on the court although I always thought Hakeem was a better center. But guy has said some stupid stuff over the years. I am not a big fan of his. I would much rather see Mario Elie get a break as an assistant coach.
I've been wondering how long it would take for someone to post this. The minute the rumors started about Ewing as a coach I started thinking about this. If he's kept himself in shape he would be able(for small stretches) to give Yao more of a battle than 90% of the centers in the league. And while I somewhat agree about Yao being closer to Hakeem in offensive moves, in defensive potential, and general athletic ability he's much more like Ewing than Hakeem. Hakeem was an ultra-athletic center who could jump, and re-jump quicker than most players could go up once. He could be out of position, and still recover in time to make the play. Yao is not this type of player. Ewing, on the other hand, was not nearly as athletic, but was taller, and longer(like Yao), and played good position/team defense. His teams have always been very good defensively. Another good thing about Patrick was that he didn't get into foul trouble that much. He knew when to go for the block, and when to just stand in front of his man, and hold his hands up. I think Yao could become this type of defender a lot easier than he could become another Hakeem type. I think that Yao will be able to develope his offensive arsenal on his own, especially once he gains a little more strength, and stamina. It's the defensive end where I think he could use help on. I think Ewing could help him(and EG) in this area.
Somebody has to teach YAO. I rather have Dream, Moses, or the Big E than Ewing but I don't hear any of those guys volunteering. Don't know for sure if Moses was serious about it or it just a rumor started. Look at it this way. Ewing and JVG can't beat us so they will join us.
Looks like Clutch decided to steal my thunder and make this subject a poll on the front page. My main concerns for Yao are: 1. Learning where to fit and establishing moves in the low post. 2. Learning timing on blocking shots and being in position for rebounds. If Ewing can help in these 2 departments, then bring him on. It would take a damn LONG time for me to get over it, but I and we as fans would eventually overcome our disliking for Pat.
To the thread starter: You missed another option: Yes to Ewing cuz the other Rockets big men in history aren't doing a damn thing to ask for this job or are under contract.
I don't see anything wrong with him winning some ring as an assistant coach for the team that smoked his a** in the Finals.
