Patrick Ewing and the Finals

Patrick Ewing won an NCAA Championship with the Georgetown Hoyas back in 1984. However, his 17-year NBA career (stats here) ended after the 2001-2002 without a world championship ring. Though his Knicks did play in the NBA Finals. Twice (1994, lost to Houston, and 1999, lost to the Spurs). Now on the bench as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic, Ewing says "Hopefully, I'll get a ring this time" (story). Besides being an 11 time all-star, Ewing played over 80 games in 6 straight seasons, and played in over 76 games for 4 straight seasons after that. His work ethic is a sign of his determination. It is in part because of his work ethic that we shouldn't count out his influence on the bench for the Orlando Magic. The New York City media is all over the story tracking Ewing's elusive quest for a ring. The NY Post here. If you don't think it matters, they asked Ewing. Straight away he says, "It means a lot. A player, coach, winning a championship means a lot. That will shut everybody up. Everyone who says I don't have one, it will shut them up when I do have one."