He certainly did not expect that at the age of 35, he would encounter a crisis that almost ended his career.

This summer, Ewing, who was sidelined for a whole year due to a torn cruciate ligament in his knee, expired with the Knicks.

The Knicks are very willing to re-sign their former ace center and promise that Ewing will continue to have the starting position.

But the quote is only 1.2 million per year!

For Ewing, this was an almost humiliating offer, an offer that seemed like sending away a beggar.

He did so much for the Knicks and sacrificed so much. He led the Knicks to the Finals again after 20 years.

As a result, the Knicks were only willing to pay 1.2 million when the contract was renewed!

When he first entered the industry 10 years ago, Ewing's salary was 1.25 million!

Therefore, Ewing and the Knicks have not reached an agreement to renew his contract in advance, and he plans to test the free agent market.

However, the ending made him even more heartbroken.

Basically, all the teams that quoted prices did not exceed the 120 range.

Ewing originally had a serious knee injury, but he suffered a torn cruciate ligament, an injury that could ruin his career.

Almost everyone feels that Ewing is definitely dead.

Not to mention restoring the glory of the top four centers, there is a question mark as to whether Ewing can adapt to the competition of the NBA.

Betting 1 million on a possibility, each team feels they are generous enough.

Ewing was disheartened and even thought about retiring.

He would rather leave a strong figure than live in shame.

But this thought only flashed through his mind. He is not the kind of person who gives up on himself!

So before the season was over, Ewing returned to Georgetown University and began recovery training day after day.

In particular, this move also caused a huge economic storm. This year, the Atlanta Gold Club's marketing volume has dropped by an unknown amount!

Coach John Thompson wanted to help one of his most proud disciples, so he told reporters whenever he met: "Patrick has fully recovered!"

Of course, no one believed it.

As Ewing's mentor, Thompson should be willing to say good things for Ewing. People think this coach's evaluation of Ewing is not objective.

But Ewing still didn't give up, polishing his body and adjusting his condition day after day.

This tough guy will never give in to fate easily!

Hard work paid off, and Ewing finally got the olive branch he had been waiting for.

From his former Finals opponent, the Los Angeles Lakers!

When Ewing looked at the man with the logo, his expression was a little surprised.

Because he didn't expect that a championship team would still need him.

Moreover, the condition given by Logo Man is 8 million in 2 years!

It's an offer that makes Ewing more dignified.

"It was actually Shea who asked me to come. He said he asked Coach Thompson and John said you were recovering well.

To be honest, as the general manager of the team, I cannot sign a player just because of one or two sentences.

But I trust Shay as much as Shay trusts you.

I am willing to give you a two-year contract worth 8 million, but the second year is a team option.

If you can prove yourself next season, we can continue to cooperate in depth."

By doing this, Logo gives Ewing a chance to prove himself in one year.

If Ewing can play well, even if he is only at 70% of his peak level, 4 million per year will not be a loss.

The four major centers are all above the first line. A Ewing with 70% skill can be regarded as a first line center.

And if Ewing fails to play, the team will be able to stop losses as soon as they exercise the team option next summer.

4 million scratch-off lottery tickets, you can make money if you win, but you can’t win.

Anyway, old Bass is losing blood!

Of course, another reason for this move is to make Shay happy.

This year, Logo can actually accept failure.

Because next summer, the free agent market will be even more turbulent.

The bigger the storm, the more expensive the fish! And the better!

As long as the salary space can be kept healthy, the Lakers will still have a chance to make great achievements next year!

The Logo Man's only worry is that Shay will leave because he's tired of losing.

By then the cornerstone for building the team will be gone, and it will be useless no matter how many fish there are in the free market.

Therefore, in order to win over Shay, he didn't mind spending 4 million to sign a college senior whom Shay respected very much.

As long as Shay can be stabilized, even if he fails this year, he can still recruit players next year.

Ewing basically didn't think much about it and just signed his name on a two-year, 8 million contract with a team option for the second year.

He must prove that he can still do it in order to increase his value!

The Lakers are the only team willing to give him a chance and respect him.

In this way, the Lakers signed Ewing, and Ewing teamed up with Shea.

The Georgetown Group was born!

Logically speaking, it should be breaking news that Shea is working with one of the four major centers.

The media should have reported that the NBA was over.

After the news of the signing was reported, the Lakers and Ewing were met with another wave of ridicule:

"When the Lakers signed Ricky Pierce, I wasn't sure, but now, gentlemen, I'm sure the Lakers are at the end of their rope.

They were so desperate that they tried their luck by signing a defunct center.

When a team tries to take a chance, they're already screwed."

"I have to admit, Patrick was great.

But that was and is Patrick now. IMHO, he is only worth 1 million.

No, he may not be able to play in the NBA anymore because of his injuries!"

"Ewing is the Lakers' last choice. No center can maintain his condition after experiencing such an injury."

"The Lakers have run out of ideas. Their signings this summer are a mess!"

Ewing felt bad.

He didn't know why reporters were so malicious toward him.

He signed with the Lakers at a low price, but it was considered a useless signing.

Ewing, who doesn't like dealing with the media, has refused all interviews with the media.

This is equivalent to losing the position of public opinion.

At this moment, Shay stood up and said a few words for Ewing.

On the third day after Ewing signed with the Lakers, in an NBC interview program, the host asked Shay about Ewing:

"Do you think Patrick can really help the team next season?"

"Of course, otherwise we wouldn't sign him."

"Why are you so confident in him? Is it just because you are from the same school?"

"Why? I'll tell you why.

Even if he played in the 1994 Finals without injury, he would still be a hero.

Even if he doesn't shut down and continues to persevere, he will still be a Hall of Fame player.

Even if he really chooses to retire this summer and never return to the court, he is already a living legend.

But, that's not Patrick Ewing!

He did not choose to escape. Patrick's strength is beyond all of your expectations!

He is not a coward like Bill Simmons who only knows how to hide behind his back.

He is a fighter and he will never let his career end like this!

And for such a strong fighter, his performance will not be bad.

It's not that I overestimate him, it's that you underestimate him too much.

He is one of the top four centers!"
To be continued...