Knicks all time scoring leader feels insulted after being offered a D-League coaching assignment ....
The New York Knicks former big man and franchise scoring leader Patrick Ewing has turned down an offer by the franchise to coach their D-League team, a source close to Ewing revealed.
Ewing turned down the offer because he wishes to remain in the NBA. Ewing has had coaching assignments in the past 8 years with the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and most recently, the Orlando Magic.
The source also said that Ewing felt a bit insulted that he was offered the D-League coaching job, as he felt that he had established himself as an NBA coach with eight years of experience, and the D-League was below his level.
The Knicks have had several coaching vacancies in the time that Ewing has coached in the NBA, but did not offer him even one. Ewing made his feelings about returning to the Knicks public in an interview to Ian O’Connor of ESPNNewYork.com,
back in March.
"I'd be interested in any job, but this is home, naturally. 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,” said Ewing during the interview.
The legendary centre was let go by the Magic at the end of the last season after they parted ways with head coach Stan Van Gundy. He has since interviewed for coaching assignments with the Charlotte Bobcats and the Portland Trail
Blazers, but did not land either of the jobs.
Ewing has been successful in coaching centres Yao Ming and Dwight Howard, but does not want to be labelled as a big-man coach.
"I consider myself a coach. Even though I did play the position and (am) very knowledgeable about the position, I feel that I'm knowledgeable about every position,” said Ewing recently while talking to reporters.
The General Manager of the Erie BayHawks, Allan Houston, told reporters on Monday that the D-League team had finalized a coach, but did not reveal the name of the coach.
The Knicks also have an opening on their coaching staff, but Ewing is not a contender for the post. Former Charlotte Bobcats assistant Lasalle Thompson is being considered as the leading candidate for the job. He played with Knicks
current head coach Mike Woodson from 1982-1985 in the Kansas City Kings.
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