Patrick Ewing – Let’s get something cleared from the top: I read the comment from David Thorpe in an ESPN chat when he suggested Ewing isn’t the hardest-working guy on the Orlando staff. I asked some people in Orlando about him and was told that Thorpe’s comment was the furthest from the truth. Ewing, since he started on Van Gundy’s staff in Houston, has worked like any other assistant coach. He handles all aspects of the job and does not consider himself above menial tasts, like some high-end players-turned-assistants do. Ewing wants to be taken seriously as a coach and not a big-man specialist. Sure, he’s had two very good specimens to work with in Yao Ming and Dwight Howard, but to suggest that his impact on their development is exaggerated is just plain ignorant. Ewing gives valuable input and, if anything, his encouragement instills confidence in young players. Is he ready to be a head coach or does he even have the personality to be one? I have no idea. But would he be a valuable assistant in New York? Absolutely.