Younger Ewing was faster then the image most of us have in out head (older Ewing with bad knees)
On the flip side, how many of the quick PFs can handle Ewing down low?
Still, he's a little slow for the position, and Smits is certainly not quick footed. To me, the issue is more with the Dunkin Dutchman: I don't think he brings you quite enough to warrant the speed disadvantage you'd have.
Agreed -- the issue is not Ewing as much as it's Smits.
This team has a chance to put together a terrific defensive team with very good balance offensively. That is the direction they should go in. Then use Smits as a game-changing offensive option off the bench.
Just because you start PJ Brown doesn't mean he needs to play 30-35 minutes a game. They can give him a part time starter's role in the 15-20 minute range, or the 20-24 minute range, or the 26-28 minute range. Even with starting a PJ Brown, there will be plenty of opportunity to bring in a Rik Smits and get him major minutes with many of those minutes coming alongside Ewing.