Knicks legend Patrick Ewing returns to the team as basketball ambassador, a role that highlights his enduring connection to the franchise.
On Friday, the New York Knicks announced that Ewing would play a vital part in both basketball and business operations, blending his extensive experience with the team’s future ambitions.
Selected first overall by the Knicks in the 1985 NBA Draft, Ewing became an icon over his 15 seasons in New York. He holds the franchise records for points, rebounds, blocks, steals, and games played, leading the team to playoff appearances in each of his final 13 seasons.
The Knicks honored Ewing by retiring his No. 33 jersey in 2003. Following his playing career, he took on various coaching roles, including head coach at Georgetown, where he guided the team to a national championship in 1984. Now, he returns to the Knicks to contribute to their legacy.
Ewing expressed his excitement in a statement, saying, “As I said the day my No. 33 jersey lifted into the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick and I will always be a New Yorker. I can’t wait to get started in this new position and to officially be back with the organization that I love so much.”
Coinciding with his return to the Knicks, USA Basketball also announced that Ewing is stepping back into coaching. He will serve as an assistant under head coach Stephen Silas for two windows of FIBA AmeriCup qualifying in November and February, marking an exciting chapter in his storied career.
