Too old, too slow, too fragile?

Or big enough, durable enough, smart enough?

The Orlando Magic have put their money on the second description of Patrick Ewing.

If this best-laid plan works, and there are no injury rashes or ego clashes, both the Magic and Ewing could get what they covet: An NBA championship.

Look at the big guy, struggling to move his bulk up and down the court, or observe him all but mummified in ice packs and elastic bandages after a game, and you might think both team and player are nuts.