Congratulations # 33

After an illustrious 17 year career, Patrick Ewing can now add Hall of Famer to his resume. For 15 years, Ewing anchored the Knicks attack that kept The Garden faithful on our feet, chanting "de-fense" and waving playoff towels. As one of six new members enshrined at the Naismith Memorial, Ewing addressed a crowd full of dignitaries including several former teammates & coaches. His acceptance speech was a trip down memory lane for anyone who waxes nostalgic for the days of winning basketball at MSG. It was only fitting that his former coach Pat Riley was inducted on the same night.

The 11-time All-Star ended his career as the Knicks all-time leader in games played (1,039), field goals (9,260), points (23,665), rebounds (10,759), blocks (2,758), steals (1,061) and minutes played (37,586). Although he never tasted championship glory, he goes into the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest big men ever.

Welcome Young Fella

Shortly after the trade for Patrick Ewing Jr. was announced, Knicks fans were abuzz about having a link to the past on the bench for the 2008-09 season. Now that his famous father has been officially inducted to the basketball Hall of Fame, that buzz should become a fever pitch when junior steps on the court for the first time as a player.

The Garden Grasp was the first independent media outlet to bring up the notion of acquiring Ewing Jr. in our March 16th, 2008 column entitled "Generation Knicks". Walsh's decision to acquire the former Georgetown Hoya for the draft rights to Frederic Weis was a good move for a team in rebuilding mode. The 6-8, 240 lbs forward replaces Renaldo Balkman as a defender/hustle player who can guard both the 2 & 3 spot while scoring on more than just dunks & put-backs.

Our college hoops insider Phil Pulliam (Indiana & Georgetown University alum - both schools Ewing Jr. attended) says Junior is a strong defender with freakish athleticism, but unfortunately found himself playing behind All-American D.J. White. Junior's transfer to his father's alma mater offered more minutes and a chance to play for John Thompson III. He became a top reserve for the Hoyas and was named the Big East Sixth Man of the Year last season. Ewing Jr. heads into training camp with a non-guaranteed contract, but should make the team because of his shot blocking ability. If Junior is cut over the likes of Jerome James, Donnie Walsh will have a PR nightmare on his hands.

Trade Talk

With less than a month before training camp starts, the rumor mill around The Garden is quieter than St. Patrick's Cathedral during Sunday Mass Service. ESPN the Magazine is reporting that the Knicks are 1 of 3 teams inquiring about the availability of Shawn Marion. Sources say Pat Riley envisions rookie Michael Beasley playing SF and has hopes of landing Carlos Boozer down the road.

Talk of a Zach Randolph trade involving Darko Milicic & Marko Jaric appears to be the only deal on the table with legs. While the proposed trade offers cap relief in 2010, the thought of Milicic, Jaric & Gallinari on the roster is enough to make some yearn for Howard Eisley, Shandon Anderson & Clarence Weatherspoon. Walsh recently confirmed his talks with Memphis, but he's better off retaining Randolph for another season than bringing in a player known in Detroit as the "human victory cigar" and a guard known more for his model girlfriend than making plays. Here's to the hope that Walsh walks away from this deal. In the words of Mark Jackson, "you're better than that!"

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