One of Patrick Ewing’s former Knicks teammates defended him against a diss from another teammate, but the franchise’s great center stayed away from the feud between Charles Oakley and Mark Jackson. I’ve been trying.
Ewing, who appeared on the podcast “The Mark Jackson Show” this week, said he appreciated Jackson’s rebuttal of Oakley’s assertion last week on SiriusXM that Brunson was “the best thing.” [on the Knicks] Since Clyde [Frazier]”
“I really appreciate it, but I have no intention of participating.” [that]” Ewing told Jackson and son Mark Jr. on the podcast. “I love Orc. Orc and I had a great few years together. I always called him my killer because he was the best at anything, physical, dirty, anything. Because it will take care of it.
“Jalen is a great player and I’m happy for his success. I’m happy for the New York Knicks’ success. I’m happy for Tom’s success. [Thibodeau] I’m with that team.But I try not to get into that, who’s better, who is this, me, Clyde, Willis? [Reed]? ”
The older Jackson, who was Ewing’s teammate with the Knicks from 1987 to 1992, interjected, “It’s you,” to which Ewing responded, “No, but I appreciate it.”
Prior to Ewing’s response, Jackson defended the 11-time All-Star and Hall of Fame center, ranking him 33rd in the franchise standings above the legendary Frazier.
“You’re kidding me. I love you Mr. Oak, but what are we doing?” Jackson said. “Let me introduce you to the greatest Knick of all time since Clyde Frazier, but of all people.
“That’s nothing against Jalen Brunson and the great year he had and what he’s going to do going forward, no question.” [Ewing] It’s best to do it in blue and orange. ”
Ewing, 61, appeared in Game 5 of the first-round game against the 76ers at MSG and received a standing ovation whenever he appeared on the scoreboard.
“Unfortunately we didn’t win that game, but the fans showed me so much love,” Ewing said. “They respected not only what I brought to the table, but everything that the people who came before me brought to the table. [Jackson]even though he went elsewhere and kicked our butts a few times.
“It was great to be in the Garden. It was great to see the fans show their appreciation to me and the other players who were there. Unfortunately they couldn’t win that game. But I was able to win [Monday] night [in Game 1 against Indiana]”
Speaking of the Pacers, Ewing and the Knicks faced arch-rival Reggie Miller and his teams in the playoffs six times in eight seasons from 1993 to 2000.
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Jackson played six seasons with the Pacers from 1994 to 2000. Appeared in four playoff series against his hometown team.
The former St. John’s star won the league’s Rookie of the Year award in 1987-88 and was traded to the Clippers in 1995 in the trade that brought Doc Rivers and Charles Smith to New York.
“We had a lot of battles. … I think both teams were mirror images of each other,” Ewing said before turning to Mark Jr. He was always talking trash and wanted us to know that we made a mistake when we traded him. …But we had some great battles with him, Reggie, and the Davis boys [Dale and Antonio] And Rick Smits. Unfortunately some of them didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. ”
When asked if he would pick the Knicks as the favorite to win this series, Ewing added, “Come on, come on,” adding, “I love what they’re doing. I love what Tom Thibodeau did with that team. They have toughness and belief and Branson is having a great year.”
