Ewing and Grant

["j.hironaka" <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

ESPN is reporting that the Orlando Magic may have gotten Patrick Ewing and 
Horace Grant to sign for next year, splitting the 4.5 million exception 
between them. Grant might still back out if the Lakers offer more, the 
story says.

I must say this sounds like precisely the kind of "near-term thinking" 
veteran acquisition that could have greatly helped out in the development 
of Walker, Pierce and the three rookies as a cohesive unit that learns that 
team sacrifice can be rewarded with a win. My hope next year is that 
sacrifice won't be rewarded with mostly heart-breaking losses and 
discouragement due to the rebounding and interior post play deficit.

If Boston can still add a cheap veteran animal rebounder to play 12-15 
solid minutes per game, those close losses next year may even turn into wins.

But I don't know if Ewing or Grant would have wanted to play in Boston 
anyway, or if they have anything left in the tank (at least it is a cheap 
gamble). I think you have to credit John Gabriel for believing anything is 
possible (like that Ewing would accept a 12 million pay cut) and giving it 
a shot.

Joe