CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hornets associate coach Patrick Ewing sat courtside at Time Warner Arena, watching 7-foot-3 Kristaps Porzingis shoot pregame warmup shots. One 7-foot Knicks legend watching perhaps a future one.

“I’m not surprised they booed him [draft night],’’ Ewing told The Post. “New York is New York. I’m surprised they didn’t boo me when they drafted me. They did so because they didn’t know him. They’d never see him play.’’

Ewing, selected with the first pick 30 years ago, believes too much is being made about Porzingis’ skinny frame and weight. This wasn’t Pozingis’ finest evening — he scored just six points on 3-of-11 shooting and was blocked at the rim by Cody Zeller in the Knicks’ 97-93 loss to Charlotte.

“All I know is he’s big, can shoot, athletic,’’ Ewing said when asked if Porzingis needs to put on pounds. “That’s yet to be determined. He’s slight, but there were a lot of people who were skinny who still got it done. [Kevin] Garnett was skinny and he had a great career.’’

Porzingis was back in the lineup Saturday after missing two straight games with a quadriceps strain but appeared rusty. Fisher praised his failed dunk attempt because he showed aggression.

Porzingis said jokingly, “Sometimes you get blocked, but I’m sure I’ll dunk on some people.’’

Nevertheless, Porzingis said he wasn’t pleased with his shooting.

“I was off,’’ Porzingis said. “I missed early shots, shots that weren’t too good. I have to find my rhythm and not force it.’’

Beforehand, Porzingis walked by Ewing, seemingly oblivious. But he definitely knows No. 33.

“I was too young, not born yet at that time,’’ Porzingis said. “Of course I’ve seen highlights of him. I didn’t meet him. For sure he’s huge. First day I got there [at Garden], I saw his jersey retired, so I know he’s a legend here.’’

Ewing has worked closely with Hornets rookie big man Frank Kaminsky, selected ninth, and was to face Porzingis.

Ewing says “Frank The Tank’’ has “a chip on his shoulder.’’

An assistant coach for 11 seasons, Ewing still aspires to become a head coach, but said he’s not ready to go the Chris Mullin route. Mullin is the new coach at St. John’s. Ewing told The Post back when John Thompson III was hired, Georgetown approached him about talking about the position, but he declined.

“Don’t want to go back to college,’’ Ewing said. “When he first got the job, I wished him luck except when he plays Georgetown. Chris is a great guy, very good friend. Naturally I want to see him succeed.

“I love working with Cliff [Steve Clifford] and [owner] Michael [Jordan] but I still want to coach,’’ Ewing said.

On the second night of back-to-back, no surprise the Knicks’ (4-1) unbeaten record was foiled as they rested Anthony, Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Kyle O’Quinn.

The starting lineup was Langston Galloway (15 points), Arron Afflalo, Lance Thomas, Kevin Seraphin and Porzingis.

The Knicks still led with eight minutes left before Fisher used the five guys battling for the 15th man, including Thanasis Antetokounmpko (scoreless in 10 minutes).

Derek Fisher on former Lakers mate Lamar Odom coming out of a coma: “It’s obviously great news he’s doing better. And that he woke up and is even able to speak with the people there with him. Obviously not clearly out of danger. But very happy he was able to wake up and speak some words and let everyone know he’s still here. People were saying “was’’ too many times over those days.”