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Who is Patrick Ewing? Inside the Hall of Famer's career as he joins Wizards as assistant coach
The New York Knicks retired Patrick Ewing's jersey No. 33 in 2003, before Hall of Fame inductions in 2008 and 2012.
The Washington Wizards have strengthened their staff by welcoming back one of the greatest names in Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball history to Washington, D.C.
Wizards hire Patrick Ewing
After Ian Begley of SNY first reported that Patrick Ewing was in discussions to join the Washington Wizards coaching staff, Shams Charania later confirmed the move.
While Ewing's exact responsibilities have not been disclosed, he will join head coach Brian Keefe as an assistant.
"Georgetown and New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing has agreed to become an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards and head coach Brian Keefe, sources tell ESPN. Ewing has been in an Ambassador role with the Knicks and now returns on the coaching sidelines in D.C," Charania tweeted on X.
Ewing resumes coaching journey
The 62-year-old brings extensive NBA coaching experience to Washington. Before taking over at Georgetown, Ewing spent more than a decade as an assistant coach with the Wizards, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets.
Most recently, he served as a team ambassador for the New York Knicks.
Ewing returned to his alma mater in 2017 to become Georgetown's head coach. During his six-year tenure, he guided the Hoyas to a memorable 2021 Big East men's basketball tournament title, securing an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
However, the program was unable to sustain that momentum, and Georgetown parted ways with him after the 2022-23 season.
A decorated basketball legacy
As a player, Ewing's résumé is among the most accomplished in basketball. He led Georgetown to the 1984 NCAA championship before being selected first overall by the Knicks in the 1985 NBA draft.
The Knicks retired his iconic No. 33 jersey in 2003, and he was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, followed by induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Now, Ewing returns to Washington in a new role, aiming to help shape the Wizards' future from the sidelines.
A mentor for youth
With a promising young center like Alex Sarr on the roster, the Wizards could benefit from Ewing's experience developing frontcourt talent.
His presence also has the potential to positively influence No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa as Washington begins a new chapter and looks to build the foundation of its next generation.
