Is Brian Howard Better Than Patrick Ewing? NBA Stats Decide

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than Brian Howard vs Patrick Ewing. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Brian Howard takes 4 categories while Patrick Ewing claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the SF position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Patrick Ewing's Assists Per Game of 2 compared to Brian Howard's 0.8 represents a 150% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Brian Howard falls 71.4% below the career average of 2.8 in this category while Patrick Ewing exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Patrick Ewing's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Free Throw %, where Brian Howard posts 74.0% against Patrick Ewing's 75% — a gap of just 1.4%. Patrick Ewing can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Free Throw % is the statistical ammunition for the Patrick Ewing side.

The forward position in professional basketball demands versatility — the ability to score, rebound and defend at an elite level. The most decorated forwards in NBA history have excelled across multiple statistical categories.

The verdict favors Brian Howard — 4 categories to 3 — but Patrick Ewing makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Patrick Ewing has real statistical ammunition particularly in Free Throw % where the gap narrows to just 1.4%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.