Patrick Ewing, a basketball legend, possessed a unique talent that captivated fans and set him apart from his peers. His skill on the court was often described as having a "magic touch." Ewing's ability to dominate games and make difficult shots look effortless made him a force to be reckoned with. At 7 feet tall, Ewing was an imposing figure on the court. His size and strength allowed him to overpower opponents and control the paint. He was a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker, consistently altering the game with his presence in the key.
Two dreams so close to reality.
But he never played in a regular-season game, was sent to the NBA Developmental League and tore a ligament in his right knee in March 2009 -- originally misdiagnosed as a sprain -- and hadn t played an organized game again until this week. This was Jordan, the game s greatest player; these were the Bulls, piecing together a dynasty; and these were the underdog Knicks, one of the few teams able to plant a seed of concern within Chicago and who bravely fought through the first five games.
He was a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker, consistently altering the game with his presence in the key. This ability to control the game on defense gave his teams a significant advantage. However, it was Ewing's offensive skills that truly set him apart.
Family Ties: Patrick Ewing, son aim for NBA jobs
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The lifelong basketball journeys for Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing and his son, Patrick Ewing Jr., are at a crossroads this week at the NBA's Orlando summer league.
They're both leading the Orlando Magic's squad -- one on the sideline, the other on the court -- and making strides toward their ultimate goals.
Coach and player.
Two dreams so close to reality.
"Wouldn't that be great? I'm waiting for the day we do it," said the elder Ewing, now 47. "I'm chomping at the bit."
The former New York Knicks great, Ewing heads into his sixth season as an NBA assistant coach. The last three have been with the Magic, helping mold Dwight Howard into an All-Star center who has won two straight defensive player of the year awards.
Ewing is still hoping to land his first head-coaching job, believing it's only a phone call away and he merely has to pay his dues as an assistant. Despite several openings this offseason, though, that call didn't come again.
"I'm waiting," he said, smiling.
Ewing Jr. has never shied away from his father's shadow.
His dad wanted him to play football -- he chose basketball. He went to Georgetown, where his father once anchored those legendary Hoyas teams. And after being drafted in the second round by Sacramento in 2008, he was traded to Houston and later New York.
But he never played in a regular-season game, was sent to the NBA Developmental League and tore a ligament in his right knee in March 2009 -- originally misdiagnosed as a sprain -- and hadn't played an organized game again until this week.
So fate would have it that the Magic would give him a shot, and that his father would be the one coaching him to reach his goal.
He led the team in scoring in its first two summer league games with performances of 17 and 15 points, and had 11 points and seven rebounds in the Magic's 94-91 loss to New Jersey on Wednesday as his father roamed the sideline.
"I always wanted to be just like him," said the 26-year-old Ewing. "I developed a post game because he was a post player. I'm sure if he was a point guard, I would have tried to be a point guard.
"He was such a great player. I never expect to be a top 50 player of all-time, but I'm going to strive for it. It's something that's making me work harder."
Growing up in NBA locker rooms didn't hurt.
Ewing Jr. had a chance to watch Pat Riley coach. Or shoot with Allan Houston and Larry Johnson after practices. Or even meet Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson before games.
Even though his dad was often traveling, he still managed to watch his son from afar and keep in touch by phone. When Dad was home, basketball always came first.
"I remember him getting very upset after losses, especially in the playoffs," he said. "I would make sure to stay out of his way and not get in trouble in school those weeks."
They kept in touch by phone when Ewing Jr. was playing at Georgetown, too.
While Ewing was traveling as an assistant coach, father often watched game tapes and coached by phone. It wasn't until this week that Ewing finally got to coach his son.
"It's good, but it's different," he said of coaching his son. "I thought it would be a lot harder, but he's been working and he's played well for us. Sometimes I think he's too unselfish and I get on his butt about passing up open shots. He can shoot the 3 better than people think."
Both have shown progress toward their goals.
Ewing Jr. has been one of the best players on the Magic's summer squad -- that includes draft picks Daniel Orton and Stanley Robinson -- but has no contract for this season. He said he won't go back to the developmental league, and would instead go to Europe or somewhere overseas if he doesn't make an NBA roster.
"He's not that far away from being an NBA player. He's shown that in the last few days," Magic general manager Otis Smith said.
His father believes he's ready for the NBA -- and now.
"I don't subscribe to the patience theory," said Ewing Sr. "I'm not into that Aristotle philosophy that patience is a virtue. I see the talent in the league today, and there's no way my son shouldn't be in the league. He's talented enough. There should be a job in the league for him now."
The 6-foot-8, 240-pound small forward appears athletic and strong enough to match NBA-caliber players. And he may very well get a chance to play in the NBA one day.
For now, he waits for a chance.
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This is the tale of a New York sports legend who reflected the glare of Gotham by thriving on the big stage, enduring the pressure from within and beyond, enduring epic clashes against Michael Jordan and the Bulls, and never cheating his team or the arena out of an honest effort on a nightly basis. Patrick Ewing was built for this — built for New York — and a franchise was better for it.
He had a refined shooting touch, both from mid-range and near the basket. Ewing's ability to score from anywhere on the court made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His jump shot was smooth and accurate, making it nearly impossible to defend. Even when faced with double teams and defensive pressure, Ewing found a way to score. Ewing's talent wasn't just limited to scoring, though. He was an excellent passer and had a high basketball IQ. He often saw plays developing before they happened, leading to quick passes and easy baskets for his teammates. This unselfishness and ability to elevate the play of those around him made him an invaluable asset to any team he played for. Off the court, Ewing's work ethic and determination were evident. He constantly worked on his game, striving to improve and become the best player he could be. This dedication paid off, as Ewing had a long and successful career in the NBA, earning numerous accolades and becoming one of basketball's all-time greats. In conclusion, Patrick Ewing's "magic touch" on the basketball court was the result of his unique combination of size, skill, and work ethic. His ability to dominate games and make difficult shots look easy made him a legendary player. Whether it was his dominant defensive presence or his unstoppable scoring ability, Ewing had a lasting impact on the game of basketball and will always be remembered as one of the greats..
Reviews for "The Magic Touch of Patrick Ewing: Uncovering His Leadership Qualities"
- John - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Magic touch of Patrick Ewing" because I'm a big basketball fan, but I was sorely disappointed. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any new insights or stories about Ewing's career. It felt like a shallow attempt to cash in on the name of a famous athlete. I wouldn't recommend this book to any true basketball enthusiasts.
- Sarah - 1 star - As a huge fan of Patrick Ewing, I was eager to delve into this book and learn more about his life and career. Unfortunately, "Magic touch of Patrick Ewing" was a huge letdown. The writing style was dry and boring, and the content was repetitive and uninteresting. The book lacked any real depth or analysis, and it felt more like a collection of random anecdotes rather than a comprehensive biography. I wouldn't waste my time or money on this book.
- Mike - 2 stars - I was expecting "Magic touch of Patrick Ewing" to be an engaging and enlightening read about one of basketball's greatest players, but it fell short of my expectations. The writing was mediocre and lacked the passion and energy that I expected from a book about such a legendary player. Additionally, the book seemed to skim over important moments and didn't offer much insight into Ewing's mindset or personal life. Overall, I found the book to be unremarkable and forgettable.
- Kelly - 1 star - "Magic touch of Patrick Ewing" was a huge disappointment for me. I was hoping for an inside look at Ewing's career and personal life, but instead, I got a poorly-written and poorly-researched book. The author seemed to be more interested in glorifying Ewing rather than providing an objective and well-rounded account of his life. The book lacked depth and didn't offer any new or interesting information about Ewing. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive biography of Patrick Ewing.