NBA Legend Patrick Ewing Joins Wizards Coaching Staff!
NBA legend Patrick Ewing is rejoining the coaching ranks, taking on an assistant coach position with the Washington Wizards. His extensive playing and coaching experience, coupled with his ability to connect with players, is expected to be a significant asset to the team. Steve Clifford also joins the Wizards as a coaching adviser, reuniting with Ewing.
Georgetown and New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing is set to return to the NBA coaching sidelines, agreeing to become an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards under head coach Brian Keefe. After serving in an ambassador role with the Knicks, Ewing's presence is highly valued by the Wizards. The organization recognizes his legendary stature and his exceptional ability to communicate effectively with veteran stars like Anthony Davis and Trae Young, as well as their promising young nucleus, which includes No. 1 draft pick AJ Dybantsa. Joining Ewing in Washington will be long-time NBA coach Steve Clifford, who is taking on a coaching adviser role. Clifford previously held similar advisory positions with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets and has a history with Ewing, having coached alongside him as an assistant in Orlando from 2007 to 2012, before Ewing later served as an assistant under Clifford in Charlotte from 2013 to 2017.
Ewing brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Wizards. His career as an NBA assistant coach spans multiple teams, including previous stints with the Wizards, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, and Houston Rockets. Beyond his NBA assistant roles, Ewing also had a notable tenure as the head coach of his alma mater, Georgetown. He famously led the Hoyas to the 1984 NCAA championship as a player and, as coach, guided them to an unexpected Big East tournament title at Madison Square Garden in 2021. However, his coaching tenure at Georgetown concluded in 2023 after the program experienced challenging seasons, posting a 13-50 record in his final two years.
Before his coaching career, Patrick Ewing forged an iconic playing career primarily with the New York Knicks. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft by the Knicks, he played 15 seasons for the franchise. During his time in New York, Ewing became the Knicks' career leader in several key statistical categories, including points, rebounds, blocks, steals, and games played. He was instrumental in leading the Knicks to the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons. His immense contributions to the team were honored in 2003 when the Knicks retired his No. 33 jersey. Ewing's legacy in basketball is further cemented by his inductions into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.