Fri 11 Apr 2008
Patrick Ewing Elected to the Hall of Fame
Posted by Gregory Rineberg under Sports
I haven’t watched professional basketball in 8 years and I have no desire to start watching again as I feel the sport has lost not only its talent, but also its integrity. Over the span of 8 years, the NBA has taken a downward turn with fights breaking out between not only opposing players, but also players versus fans. In 2004, Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson charged into the stands at The Palace to fight with a heckling fan. Although fights occurred in basketball during the 90’s, the fights were always between players, with the exception of coaches; i.e. Jeff Van Gundy, when he grappled Alonzo Mourning’s leg in a playoff game. The days of greatness are over for the NBA.
Throughout the 90’s I intently followed the NBA, watching every Knicks game going as I was a giant fan of the Knickerbockers and their squad of overachievers. I even sank so low as to have a NY Knicks bumper sticker on my first car (that’s right, I have no shame). My favorite players were many, as I enjoyed watching John Starks and his ability to nail 3 pointers from ‘downtown’ on the run or his ability to make an incredible assist. I liked Charles Oakley, aka ‘The Trashman’ or ‘Oak-Train’, for his ability to out-rebound the greats, like Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley. But my favorite player was Patrick Ewing. The giant Center that brought Georgetown to glory and gave the Knicks a glimpse of a championship on multiple occasions was a mainstay for the Knicks from 1985-2000. He provided a great deal of consistency for a team that was always fluctuating and gave the late 90’s Knicks a strategy to play against their opponents. Before breakaways took over the sport, through Kobe Bryant and Carmello Anthony, teams like the Knicks would slow down and slowly beat the opponents into submission.
Although Patrick Ewing never won an NBA championship, like Jordan or Olajuwon, he is recognized as one of the Top 50 NBA Players of All-Time. He might be remembered for missing the ‘infamous’ layup to win the NBA Championship game against the Houston Rockets in 1994, but for me he will be remembered by the great memories he provided me in the 90’s and for his giant under bite. At the height of NBA glory, Ewing just did his job, he didn’t fight or brawl or whine, he just played the game and he excelled at it.
Congratulations Ewing!
Image Used in the Post
Patrick Ewing image courtesy of Flickr user Vedia published under the CC license.
About the Author
April 11th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
While I too was a huge Ewing fan, the infamous layup you are talking about came the following year in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Nevertheless Patrick Ewing was an incredible baller, and one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. His panted drop-step and his fade away from the baseline are the stuff of legend.
He is widely regarding as the greatest Knick to ever play, and I will always remember the excitement and class he brought to the Garden.
Sadly, the Dolan’s have destroyed this once proud and talented franchise.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I too was a 90’s Knicks fan, unashamed. They were a good team.
That picture of Van Gundy is hilarious.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
The NBA is a lot like the book, The Dog who Lost His Way.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
At least Jordan isn’t getting ridiculous air in that picture…
April 11th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Thanks for the correction on the Finals Greg. And yes, when didn’t Jordan ever get air?
April 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
He always did, but we cannot forget John Starks dunking left-handed over Jordan and Pippen from the baseline. That was the devastating drive that turned John Starks into a Knicks legend.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I’m sure the Greatest Keek Show on Earth is pleased about Patrick’s induction.
April 12th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Greg,
The Greatest Keek Show on Earth is probably my 2nd favorite nickname anyone has anyone ever given me. The only one that trumps it is “The Keekers” Thank you Mrs. Gamble.
Now for my 2 cents. Patrick Ewing was a warrior. You could question the results and at times he was moody with the press but you couldn’t question his desire to win. He was arguably the best center in the golden age of centers. I know some won’t agree that he is and to be honest Hakeem edges him slightly in my book. However I think you would be hard pressed to find someone that doesn’t think he should be mentioned in the debate.
The new NBA has all but gotten rid of the center position with teams looking to run and gun and draft 7 footers who hoist threes and cross you over. Patrick Ewing type players are a dying breed and that might be why people have lost interest in the NBA.