http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/24033.htm PAT: I'D WORK FOR HERB By MARC BERMAN May 13, 2005 -- Rockets assistant Patrick Ewing said if Herb Williams keeps the Knicks' head-coaching job, it could be a 2-for-1 package. "I'm happy in Houston, but if he gets the job, I'm sure Herb will contact me, and it's something I'd definitely have to think about," Ewing told The Post yesterday in a telephone interview. "But I enjoy working with Jeff [Van Gundy, Houston's coach]." The Knicks legend said he hopes to see Williams next under better circumstances than the last time. They last spoke at the funeral of Ewing's sister, Paulene, in Boston last week. Ewing's sister died of cancer during Game 4 of the Rockets-Mavericks first-round series. Ewing missed Games 5, 6 and 7. "I asked Herb if they offered him the job yet," Ewing said. "I don't understand what the holdup is. I don't care what they say. I don't think this team needs a big-name coach. I don't care if Einstein is coaching, it's not going to matter if you don't have the horses. Herb did a great job." Ewing said he understands the Knicks' pursuit of Phil Jackson, but added, "I don't think Phil is going to take that job. I don't think it's going to help his legacy." Isiah Thomas called Williams "the frontrunner" when the season ended. The Knicks president has interviewed more than a half-dozen candidates, but an NBA official said he believes Thomas is just doing his due diligence to see if there's a candidate other than top-choice Jackson who blows him away. Jackson is a longshot. P.J. Carlesimo, also being pursued by Orlando, is high on Thomas' list but is a slight risk. Thomas also has spoken with Maurice Cheeks and Flip Saunders, the latter likely headed to Portland or Cleveland. If Jackson is hired by Sacramento, Kings coach Rick Adelman, who has a strong resume, could become a candidate, but Thomas was lukewarm about Adelman when he coached against him while with Indiana. "It's important to talk to some of the traditional people who've had success and proven it, but I also think when you have a good thing in front of you, you should not overlook it, either," Thomas said recently. Williams finished 16-27 last season but was promoted just as the Knicks were headed on a grueling six-game West Coast trip. Several players have said they want Williams back. Thomas was moved by the standing ovation the Knicks received leaving the court in their season-finale victory over the Wizards at the Garden. That made a lasting impression on Thomas. "Outside of the first West Coast trip, all of us realistically gave him no shot," Thomas said of Williams. "After that, I thought he did a great job."
I would say "bye bye" Patty ... but Herbie the Luv Coach isn't going to get Zeke's job anyway, so I think Big Pat will be back next year !
Does anyone think that Ewing leaving would have a negative effect on Yao? He has worked with Patrick a lot in the past 2 seasons, and we all know that changing of teammates/coached has been tough on him before. Personally, I don't think Ewing has made much of an impact, positive or negative, but I wonder how Yao would feel if another guy leaves and another new guy is brought in.
It could be that Ewing is just not that good at coaching/teaching. I don't understand how in two years he has not been able to show Yao how to establish himself down low. Maybe it's just his style or something that doesn't click with Yao. Either way, since that is his sole purpose for being here, I would say that the lack of results suggest it is time for him to move on anyway.
i think deke's already doing a good job mentoring yao.. we should hire him as asst coach when he retires from playing.. if ewing leaves, we need an offensive minded assistant coach that can exploit yao-tmac combo..
They don't need Ewing, even if he leaves town and back to NYC (hopefully) Yao's REAL coach Mutombo will still be here. I think we need Deke coaching Yao in practice for 2 more seasons, then he can go anywhere he wants/retire or whatever.
got a great idea, trade jeff van gundy, and patrick ewing to the knicks for all their first round picks. that would be great. then we can sign phil jackson as coach.
F%$# Phillip...he needs to go back to his shack in the woods and smoke more herbs with Ricky williams.
No offense to you Beck, I have seen this same point from many people, but . . . why do you guys think that Yao is so fragile. When I read these comments it sounds like you are talking about a little kid who will be so upset that he won't come back home after school. If you really think he is that pathetic then he shouldn't be playing pro sports anyways. Personally, I believe that he could gain experience from anyone who crosses his path. Ewing probably helped and served his time, although there will be other alternatives through his career. By the way, I can't remember Moses Malone having a personal coach, nor Hakeem. That being said, who helped Shaq?
I don't think Yao needs anymore 1-on-1 coaching. His skill are already amazing. I think he needs to continue to work on his conditioning and to adapt to the speed of the game - both of these take time more than coaching.
Moses helped Dream and Shaq worked out with Dream during the summers. Notice Shaq's good footwork. I also think Dream and Shaq went to the big man's camp. Everything helps and I think Yao has learned all he can from Ewing. He needs someone to help with his footwork and positioning.
