NEW YORK – This would best describe the appreciation for Sunday evening’s contest between the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks. There was greater interest in the hockey game between across the Hudson, between the Devils and Rangers, because home-ice for their opening-round meeting was on the line.

Everything had already been decided between the Magic and Knicks. Orlando, winners of the Southeast Division, had already clinched the third seed in the Eastern Conference, while New York has already been eliminated from playoff contention for the seventh consecutive year.

While Knicks 100, Magic 90, was a pleasant surprise to the 19,763 in attendance, nothing at all changes here. The sellout crowd was treated to a stellar defensive effort in the first quarter [a season-low 12 points against], Wilson Chandler’s career-best 23 points, and Nate Robinson’s dunk, over 6’10” Rashard Lewis, in the final minute to close out New York’s scoring.

However, there was significant interest in what occurred before Magic-Knicks. Inside the conference room, Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe reminisced, and Clyde –at 63, still the epitome of a sharp-dressed man- even invited a young Knick fan to “take a picture of the best backcourt in NBA history.”

Then, Patrick Ewing - Orlando’s assistant coach- ducked through the doorway, and stepped to the podium. This is a very good time in his life. Ewing, arguably the greatest player in franchise history, is one of 15 Finalists for election into the Hall of Fame; the first-time nominee will learn that fate sometime within the next 24 hours. The actual enshrinement, which Ewing is sure to partake in, is scheduled for September 4-6. There will be the playoffs to prepare for. Additionally, Patrick Ewing Jr. is on course to graduate from Georgetown, with a chance to be selected in the next NBA Draft.

“Whatever happens will happen,” he stated matter-of-factly. “If I’m inducted, it will be great. I’ve been to the Hall many times, when I was in growing up in Cambridge [Massachusetts]. I just never thought that, one day, I might possibly be in it.”

With Pat Riley, no less. Riley, who coached New York from 1991-95, and guided the Knicks to the 1994 Finals with Ewing as his center, is also eligible for the first time.

“During his tenure, Patrick was the organization,” noted Charles Smith, a teammate from 1992-96. “Every team needs a great player to build around; he was that guy. He deserves [to be in the Hall].

However, Smith cautioned that, on occasion, great players do get snubbed on their first attempt.

“I don’t think he should be dejected in any way. He will, eventually, get in.”

Donnie Walsh’s recent appointment as Knicks’ president, may actually allow Ewing –to return to the organization. The Big Fella, whose primary responsibility is grooming Dwight Howard [15 rebounds, 13 points], smiled at the thought.

“Right now, my future is with the Magic. I always watch New York. My kids are here, and I still have a home here. I always wish them well, but I stay out of the Knick politics, though I seem to get drawn into it whenever we play here.”

“I think Pat would like to be back with the organization,” Smith added. “I can that because I’m his ex-teammate, and Pat couldn’t say that because he’s a coach with Orlando. Any player, who has had a long-standing, successful career with one team would want some involvement with that organization. When a guy is in one place for ten years, he wants to stay there. And, this town has such a great relationship with him, that’s it’s a likely fit.”

Walsh, it has been reported, is leaning toward Mark Jackson as his next coach. Jackson, out of St. John’s, amassed 10,334 assists [second only to John Stockton] during his illustrious career. He teamed with the one-time ‘Hoya Destroya,’ from 1987-1992.

“Whatever Mark chooses to do, he’ll be fine,” Ewing acknowledged. “He is a New Yorker. He has that swagger. Whether it is coaching or in the front office, I think he will do an outstanding job.”

At the photo-op following Ewing’s conference, he posed with Frazier, Monroe, John Starks, and Herb Williams. Even with a three-guard offense, the good money would be on these Knicks to win the majority of games against the current starting team that Thomas has assembled.

With the loss to New Orleans on Friday, New York was on yet another five-game losing streak. That was their seventh such streak of this season. On two occasions, it has reached eight and, on two others, it has reached seven. Before tonight, they had won just two of their last 19 games, beating only Riley’s Miami Heat, now 13-63.

These numbers had necessitated the move for Walsh.

Other changes within the organization, whether involving Ewing or not, are now just a matter of time.

  E-mail this story |  Printer-friendly |  Discuss