Patrick Ewing Warns Dwight Howard Against Playing in New York Area

Patrick Ewing, the former New York Knicks center now an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic, warns Dwight Howard that despite the lure of playing in Brooklyn for the Nets, things might not necessarily turn out so well for him there. From the Orlando Sentinel: “Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing received a standing ovation at Madison Square Garden when he was introduced during a break in the first quarter of Monday’s 102-93 Magic win over the Knicks. Ewing, of course, has been asked what advice he has given Howard, who can opt out of his deal after this season and has requested a trade. Ewing said he has advised Howard to remain with the Magic. ‘Everybody always thinks the grass is always greener,’ Ewing said. ‘But it’s a great opportunity for him to stay in a [single] place. I wish I had stayed and finished my career here in New York. But it’s his decision.’ Howard, who can opt out of his current deal after this season, has requested a trade. One of the three teams on his list of preferred destinations is the New Jersey Nets, who will relocate to Brooklyn after this season. Ewing played the first 15 seasons of his 17-year NBA career with the Knicks, and he understands that the spotlight is brighter in the New York market than Orlando. ‘You’ve got to have a thick skin to play in a place like this,’ Ewing said.”