Sometimes it's hard to tell someone something they don't want to hear. Have you ever had a girlfriend or boyfriend get a bad haircut? Or told your mom that your grades weren't as good as they could be? Maybe you know someone who put on a little (or a lot) of weight and you want to break it to him or her gently. Well fellow sports fans, the time has come to collectively tell someone a bit of news they don't want to hear. This is going to hurt me as much as anyone, but, Patrick Ewing -- please retire.
I'm sorry but somebody had to say it. Out loud I mean, I know everyone is thinking it. The man who for 15 years epitomized the New York Knicks left for Seattle this year, desperately hoping for another shot at the Championship that eluded him during his career in the Big Apple. On Tuesday, Ewing returned to New York to take on his former team. After receiving a standing ovation from grateful fans, Ewing went out with his teammates and lost 101-92. Although Ewing played fairly well and poured in a respectable 12 points and 5 rebounds, the game just served as a painful reminder to those of us who admire Ewing that his best days are long behind him.
How did this happen? How did Ewing, the number one draft pick in 1985 out of Georgetown, where he led the Hoyas to a NCAA championship, become a role player in the rain soaked Northwest corner of the country? How did an 11-time all star, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and the Knick's all-time leader in 10 categories, including points and rebounds, get exiled to the other side of the continent? If it hadn't been for Michael Jordan every year in the Eastern Conference playoffs, or Hakeem Olajuwon's two year domination of the NBA, or more recently the tandem of David Robinson and Tim Duncan, Ewing might well have picked up a title or two. Once again, why is Ewing doing sharing time in Seattle?
Well, the obvious answer is injuries and age. Two seasons ago Ewing missed the NBA Finals against the Spurs with an injury. After Ewing played hurt through much of last years' Eastern Conference Finals, which the Knicks lost to the Pacers, many Knick fans and even players began to question whether or not the team would be better off without the man who led the team in scoring 14 out of his 15 seasons with them. The front office concurred (with good reason); a deal was struck; the trade was made; Patrick Ewing was headed for Seattle.
Ewing hasn't been terrible this season for the Sonics. Even an aged, injury-plagued player of his caliber is better than many starting centers in the NBA. But he is a mere shadow of his former self. For the first time in his career, his points per game average is in single digits, down from 15 last season to a dismal 9.2 this time around. In the late 80's and early 90's, Ewing was pouring in close to thirty PPG. How things have changed.
It's just so sad to watch one of the game's greats and a future Hall of Famer languish away, desperately trying to make a run for the championship. It's not uncommon. Moses Malone was still hanging around in the NBA long after his glory days were over. Dan Marino overstayed just a bit in Miami too. I think Dennis Eckersley pitched until his arm fell off.
Michael Jordan understood. Too well. He left at the top of his game twice. Jim Brown understood in the NFL. So did Barry Sanders. And John Elway. Maybe these guys could write Patrick a letter or something. Something has to be done.
It's not to say that I don't sympathize with Ewing. Nothing would make me happier than to see him get a ring for all his hard work. But unless some major changes are made, it's not going to happen. So please, Patrick, on behalf of me, on behalf of the Knicks' fans who gave you a three minute standing ovation the other night, and on behalf of basketball enthusiasts everywhere, hang it up.
