Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Ewing has been keeping a watchful eye on some of the prospective draftees the Charlotte Bobcats have been bringing in for workouts. Obviously he should, being that he’s one of Steve Clifford’s main assistant coaches.
But it’s no coincidence that a team that badly needs a stronger inside game is bringing in one of the best centers in NBA history to do some coaching. He obviously knows a few things about playing inside with and without the basketball.
Ewing wouldn’t eventually mind being an NBA coach. His time will probably come. But right now, the Bobcats could use Ewing on a full-time basis to work with the Bobcats post players both offensively and defensively to give Charlotte a fighting chance against the rest of the NBA.
It’s why NBA draft experts won’t expect to see the Bobcats take a guard. A forward is a possibility if it’s someone like Anthony Bennett or Otto Porter. Speculation is growing that the Bobcats like Alex Len and figure Ewing could be an excellent private instructor to help Len be one of the best rookies in the league. Ewing remembers the struggles he had as a rookie and what it took to finally establish himself as a bona fide center who could lead his team to title contention.
It’s obviously unlikely Ewing will be coaching the perimeter game. Clifford will use his assistants in various areas. But because he can’t put Ewing in the court, having him coach the person that’s on the floor would be the next best thing.
