May 18, 1997; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing (33) reacts on the court against the Miami Heat during the the first round of the 1997 NBA Playoffs at the Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Makes Feelings Clear About Knicks Legend Patrick Ewing

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 8:35 PM ET

On Thursday night, the New York Knicks are playing the Detroit Pistons (in Michigan) for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

Before the game, Knicks legend Patrick Ewing was seen talking to TNT commentator (and former Indiana Pacers guard) Reggie Miller.

While the clip was playing, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley made his feelings clear about Ewing.

Barkley (via the NBA on TNT): "The great Patrick Ewing and the great Reggie Miller. I love that man... They had some battles. Patrick Ewing is one of the nicest men I have ever met in my life."

Reggie Miller & Patrick Ewing dapping it up in Detroit ahead of Game 3 pic.twitter.com/7fj8Jz3tA5
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 24, 2025

Ewing was the first pick in the 1985 NBA Draft out of Georgetown.

He spent 17 seasons with the New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic.

The Hall of Famer had career averages of 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.4 blocks per contest while shooting 50.4% from the field in 1,183 games.

Via StatMuse: "Patrick Ewing as a Knick:

— 22.8 PPG
— 10.4 RPG
— 2.7 BPG
— 11x All-Star
— 7x All-NBA
— 3x All-Defense

Leads the franchise in points, rebounds, steals and blocks."

Patrick Ewing as a Knick:

— 22.8 PPG
— 10.4 RPG
— 2.7 BPG
— 11x All-Star
— 7x All-NBA
— 3x All-Defense

Leads the franchise in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. pic.twitter.com/wMlJ4o31Oy
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 31, 2023

While Ewing never won a title, he helped the Knicks reach the NBA Finals twice (1994 and 1999).

Via NBA History: "1994 Pacers-Knicks, Eastern Conference Finals:

Patrick Ewing finishes the tip-dunk in Game 7 to lift the Knicks to the finals!"

1994 Pacers-Knicks, Eastern Conference Finals:

Patrick Ewing finishes the tip-dunk in Game 7 to lift the Knicks to the finals!

Another IND-NYK Game 7 today: 3:30pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/TFXppSE0F5
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 19, 2024

Ewing retired after the 2002 season (as a member of the Magic).

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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