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Chapter 87: The Summer League 2 (Ewing-Lin connection)
🕑 Added 2025-04-27 12:12:24 +0000 UTCIt turns out Patrick Ewing Jr. was the son of the legendary Patrick Ewing. Lin Yi easily found that out from the coaching staff.
As a diehard fan of the NBA, how could Lin Yi not know about the great Patrick Ewing?
Patrick Ewing Sr.'s career was the stuff of legends. Multiple All-Star selections, a cornerstone of the Knicks for over a decade, a warrior in the paint. He never quite got that NBA championship, but his dominance and leadership were undeniable.
Off the court, Ewing was a quieter guy—serious, focused—but those who knew him well said he had a dry sense of humor. He wasn't just a giant on the court; he was a mentor, a leader, and a symbol of the Knicks' glory days.
So when Ewing Sr. retired and later transitioned into coaching, Knicks fans always kept an eye out for his family.
Patrick Ewing Jr., at 25 years old, had a lot of that energy. He wasn’t as tall or dominant as his dad, but he was athletic, explosive, and had that Ewing grit. Standing about 6'8", he had the hops to jump well and had a decent shooting touch.
Every summer, he played with the Knicks' Summer League team, trying to earn a permanent spot. He was one of those hard workers, grinding every day, carrying the weight of that legendary last name.
The NBA is ruthless, though. Name recognition only gets you so far. You still have to prove it.
Ewing Jr. felt bad about the whole incident with Lin Yi. He didn’t mean any harm. He was just playing aggressive defense, trying to stand out.
The moment he knocked Lin Yi over, he was fearful. This is the NBA, after all. If you're not a top prospect, you’re invisible. But Lin Yi? He was the Knicks' No. 1 pick, their future.
...
The next day, Lin Yi found Ewing Jr., and to his surprise, Patrick was smiling. "You're really not mad. No fake smile bullsh##t?" he asked.
"Of course not," Lin Yi said, laughing. "You’re just playing hard. That’s the game."
Lin Yi wasn't about to act like some entitled rookie. And Ewing Jr.? He wasn’t just carrying his dad’s name; he had the work ethic too.
Patrick was genuinely surprised. "Man, you're cool as hell," he said. "You sure you’re not just acting nice ‘cause the cameras are off?"
Lin Yi laughed. "I’m good. Just play ball."
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry was gearing up for the first showdown with his former teammate.
The game tipped off, and Lin Yi was ready. He won the jump ball easily; the Warriors’ center barely stood a chance.
Coach Dan just shook his head. "This is unfair."
Patrick Ewing Jr. pushed the ball up the court, and when Curry locked eyes with him, ready to intercept, but ran into a screen that felt like a brick wall. That was when he realized Lin Yi was right there too, bigger and faster under pressure.
Patrick swung the ball out for a pass, and bam—a quick three-pointer, Knicks up 3-0.
Curry tried to answer with a three... but missed.
Lin Yi snatched the rebound and took off like a freight train. In a flash, he was past half-court, slicing through defenders and laying the ball in.
"That's insane." Coach Dan muttered, almost rubbing his eyes.
Five seconds. Maybe less. Who even knew?
Patrick Ewing Jr. just stared, wide-eyed. "Man, you’re like Superman out here."
He even struck a Superman pose, making Lin Yi crack up mid-game.
Meanwhile, Curry? He was just chewing on his mouth guard.
