Charlotte Bobcats considering Patrick Ewing for the vacant head coach position - NBA Update
Almost a week ago Rod Higgins, Charlotte Bobcats president of basketball operations said that they are looking for someone who wants to win. He made the announcement after dethroning Paul Silas and now it has been learnt that the
franchise has considered Patrick Ewing’s name for the coaching position.
Ewing is amongst several candidates who will be interviewed for the post. He is currently working as an assistant coach at Orlando Magic and Bobcats have yet to seek permission from the South Florida franchise.
Ewing has served for 5 years under Coach Van Gundy and has been longing for a head coaching position for quite some time. Now it seems that he will finally have his dream job as he enjoys good relation with Bobcats majority owner
Michael Jordan.
A Knicks great, Ewing has also been keen on getting the job at the Big Apple. During an interview with ESPN back in March 2012, Patrick candidly threw his name for the coaching post, even though Mike Woodson was acting as an interim
at that point;
“I’ve put in the work,” he said. “I’ve learned from a lot of very good coaches in Stan (Van Gundy), Jeff (Van Gundy), and Doug Collins, and I’ve played for a lot of great coaches. All I need is an opportunity, and once I get that
opportunity, hopefully I’ll be successful.”
This opportunity seems like an answer to his prayers but taking the reins of Bobcats in hand can turn out be a nightmare as well. It is the same franchise that broke all time worst records this season. They closed the season with
a 7-59 record and a 0.106 winning percentage, the worst ever, even surpassing 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers. Moreover they have either traded or lost all stars players and have their roster thronged with rookies and average players.
Ewing is considered as an expert on defensive strategies and being a big himself, he has been inspirational in grooming Dwight Howard at Orlando. His defensive mindset might just be the tonic, the undersized Bobcats need. Moreover
his ties with MJ and desperation to land a job make him an ideal candidate.
The selection however will not be immediate as the coach hunt can go on for weeks. Especially with the upcoming lottery the franchise will prefer the most adequate option to mentor the new talent.
The list for the candidates also includes names like Mike Malone (Golden State Warriors assistant) and Nate McMillan - ex Portland Trail Blazers coach and former coach Paul Silas’ son, Stephen Silas.
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