Patrick Ewing said he’s still “disappointed’’ he has not become an NBA head coach but indicated he feels one day he will be back in the Knicks organization in some capacity.
Ewing, who did a handful of MSG Network telecasts this postseason, was named this week an associate coach with the Bobcats to assist new head coach Steve Clifford. Ironically, Ewing had to watch Jason Kidd gain a head-coaching position with the Nets only nine days after he retired as a Knick. Ewing’s son took to Twitter to express outrage.
“I’m disappointed,’’ Ewing said on WFAN’s “Boomer & Carton” show of not getting a head-coaching opportunity yet. “Naturally everybody who does this thing, the goal is to be a head coach. I felt I’ve paid my dues, worked hard, studied hard with the goal of trying to become a head coach.
“I’m disappointed it hasn’t happened yet. All I can do is keep on working and keep on hoping someone one day will have faith in me like the way they have faith in Jason that they can get the job done. In terms of Jason, I’m very happy for him. They believe he can get it done and [I]wish him luck.’’
Ewing has patched up any differences that may have existed with Knicks officials which may have been a carryover from him demanding a trade after the 1999-2000 season.
Ewing’s work on MSG Network is a start and he has sat next to Knicks owner James Dolan during at least two games this season. He never has been offered an assistant coaching job with the Knicks — only a head job with the D-League team they manage in Erie, which he turned down.
“My relationship with the Knicks is fine,’’ Ewing said. “Mr. Dolan has been very good to me. He gave me a great opportunity to do some TV. I cherish the opportunity maybe one day in near future, I’ll be back in the organization. I have no problem with the Knicks. I have no problem with the Dolans and it’s fair to say they have no problems with myself.’’
Ewing said he has no interest in being a D-League coach.
“I wasn’t offended,’’ Ewing said. “I didn’t want to be a coach in the developmental league. I wanted to be a coach in the NBA.”The opportunity wasn’t in my best interest.’
As far as his son tweeting he was “real mad’’ at Kidd’s hire while his father has received just two head-coaching interviews, Ewing said, “I told him he needs to get rid of his Twitter account. All he’s going to do is end up in trouble. I appreciate it. I love him to death, but I don’t need him to fight my battles.’’
Ewing interviewed with the Bobcats last spring but didn’t get the head job despite his friendship with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan. Ewing has worked with Clifford for many years, first with the Rockets, then in Orlando under Jeff and Stan Van Gundy, respectively.
“We have a very good working relationship,’’ Ewing said. “We’re going to do our best to build the Charlotte franchise into a winner.’’