“I don’t think he’s ever been as effective as he could have been” – Tex Winter believes Patrick Ewing wasn’t utilized properly in New York
Tex Winter, the legendary NBA assistant coach known for his contributions to the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty, has offered a controversial opinion regarding Patrick Ewing’s time with the New York Knicks. Winter believes that the Hall of Fame center, despite being one of the most dominant players in the league, wasn’t fully utilized in New York.
Winter, a staunch advocate of the triangle offense, claimed that the Knicks’ offense under Pat Riley was too “hero ball-oriented,” focusing heavily on Ewing’s post-up game and failing to capitalize on his versatility.
“I don’t think he’s ever been as effective as he could have been,” Winter said in an interview. “They used him as a post player almost exclusively. But he was more than just a back-to-the-basket scorer. He could pass, he could shoot from the perimeter, he was a great defender. They didn’t utilize all his skills. I think if they had run the triangle, he would have been even more dominant.”
Winter’s comments have sparked debate among NBA fans and analysts. Some agree that Ewing might have reached even greater heights with a more diverse offense. They point to his solid passing and occasional shooting ability, arguing that incorporating these facets would have created a more dynamic attack and made him even more unstoppable.
However, others argue that the Knicks’ approach was effective considering their roster composition and Ewing’s strengths. They claim that Ewing’s dominant post-up game was the best weapon they had, and attempting to deviate from that strategy could have backfired. Moreover, the Knicks’ aggressive defense and rebounding style complemented Ewing’s skillset.
The discussion about Ewing’s effectiveness is a complex one, involving not only his individual skills but also the team dynamics and the specific style of play implemented. Regardless of the opinion on Winter’s assessment, Ewing’s career with the Knicks was a defining chapter in NBA history. He was the face of the franchise for over a decade, leading the Knicks to multiple playoff appearances and even the 1994 NBA Finals.
However, he also fell short of winning a championship, a fact that continues to fuel the debate regarding the Knicks’ utilization of their star center. Some see his lack of a ring as a testament to their offensive limitations, while others attribute it to factors outside their control, such as tough competition and injury setbacks.
Winter’s observations, even if they come with a tinge of subjectivity, raise a crucial point about how offensive systems and strategic approaches can shape individual players and team success. Ultimately, the debate regarding Ewing’s utilization in New York may not have a definitive answer. But it underscores the importance of finding the right balance between exploiting a player’s strengths and unlocking his full potential.
