Patrick Ewing entertaining hopes to coach the New York Knicks - NBA Update
Patrick Ewing has paid his dues as assistant coach and he thinks now it’s time to step up and lead a team of his own. Ever since he retired as a centre from New York Knicks, he has been working as assistant coach for Washington
Wizards and then for Orlando Magic.
In the last decade or so, whenever the Knicks have announced a vacancy for the head coaching job, Patrick Ewing has thrown his name. However, till date, the Knicks have not reciprocated to his requests. Now nearly three weeks after
Mike D’ Antoni resigned from his post, Ewing has again reiterated his interests in head coaching the Knicks.
"I'd be interested in any job, but this is home, naturally," Ewing said. "I still have my place here (in New Jersey), and I'd love to interview for any job, here or anywhere. I played here. I know the ins and outs of New York,
the media, the fans."
Ewing, over the years, has proven to be good coach, especially on defense. However, the timing of announcing his desire is questionable. Ever since Mike Woodson took over as the Interim coach of the Knicks, the Big Apple franchise
has been on fire, winning 8 of their last 10 games. The last three of those wins have been without the services of Amare’ Stoudemire, who will be out for two to four weeks due to a bulging disk in the back.
There is no doubt that after D’ Antoni, Woodson has revitalized the team with a new game plan. Knicks are concentrating more on the D rather than pursuing the run-and-gun style of play under Antoni.
Ewing also praised Woodson for his remarkable achievements but showed his interest in taking the job.
“I think (Woodson) is a fine coach, he’s done an outstanding job in the eight games he’s taken over. But any opportunity I get, I’m ready.”
Knicks are struggling on the 8th spot in Eastern Conference and the playoffs picture is still murky and if New York fail to qualify, the front office might decide against Woodson’s extension next season and that will
create a spot for Ewing. To entertain such hopes at this time of the season though might turn out be counterproductive and Ewing should have waited a little more.
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