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Wednesday, November 15, 2000
Sonics take wait-and-see approach with Ewing
Associated Press
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SEATTLE -- The Seattle SuperSonics like what they've seen of
Patrick Ewing, but haven't made up their minds about talking to him about a contract extension.
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"Both sides want to wait and see how it goes this year,"
general manager Wally Walker said Wednesday. "There have never been
any discussions about any extension.
"Patrick is getting acclimated to Seattle to see how he likes it. And we have to wait and see how it goes during the season."
Ewing helped the Sonics beat his former team, the New York
Knicks, 96-75 Tuesday night. The 7-foot center had 10 points, nine
rebounds and three blocked shots in the game here.
The 16-year veteran was traded to the Sonics by the Knicks on
Sept. 20 in a four-team deal.
Ewing has said he'd like to play two more seasons and end his
career in Seattle. He's earning $14 million in the final season of
a $60 million, four-year contract that he signed with the Knicks.
Walker said he hopes Ewing and the Sonics both perform well this
season.
"The best-case scenario for us is getting Patrick re-signed
next summer," he said. "If that's the case, that will mean
Patrick's been healthy and, we've had a very good year as a team
and obviously he has as well."
Ewing, 38, has averaged 32.9 minutes, 10.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 3.6 turnovers in his first nine games with the Sonics. The Sonics have started slowly, going 3-6.
"Patrick's been what we've expected," Walker said. "He's
still a very good player. He's still one of the best defensive
rebounders in the game.
"At the offensive end, we're all getting used to each other. There's no substitute for time in that process. We just haven't meshed yet."
In Tuesday night's game, Ewing was outplayed by new Knicks
starting center Marcus Camby. Camby had 20 points and 17 points.
Walker pointed out the Sonics won the game going away.
"Patrick's among the best half dozen centers in the league," he said.
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