CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Hornets’ backup big men are tearing through a one-on-one post skills drill, where they try to score on each other after catching the ball with their backs to the basket. The Hall of Famer watches, passing out basketballs as necessary, taking in the scene of the screaming 7-footers.
Rookie Frank Kaminsky has the ball against Spencer Hawes. He leans left, then uses a drop step to slink past the veteran for a layup. Hawes slams the ball in frustration. Patrick Ewing barely reacts.
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Stoicism has defined Ewing for more than 30 years.