Written by Scott Sargent
In 1985, the NBA did something that is simply known as commonplace today: The Draft Lottery. Why did they establish this in 1985? Because a kid out of Georgetown named Patrick Ewing was the ultimate prize for the team with the first overall pick – previously given to the team with the worst record in the league.
It didn’t take long for Ewing to make an impact, as he was selected as the Rookie of the Year after averaging 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game with the New York Knicks. It was only the beginning of what would be a legendary career, but one that would never result in a championship ring thanks to Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
Ewing was a two-time Olympic team member, winning gold medals with the 1984 amateur team in Los Angeles as well as the “Dream Team” in Barcelona in 1992.
After 2000, Ewing was moved to the Seattle SuperSonics for a slew of players as well as two first round draft picks. He then went to the Orlando Magic where he would retire in 2002 as one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players of all-time.
Ewing currently serves as an assistant with the Magic where his work can be seen in the quick evolution in the game of Dwight Howard – one of today’s brightest talents.
