The New York Knicks have announced that Hall of Fame center and franchise legend Patrick Ewing will be rejoining the organization as a basketball ambassador to assist in both basketball and business operations.
The 11-time NBA All-Star will reportedly work closely with Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau and the organization’s front office after working as the Head Basketball Coach at his alma mater Georgetown University from 2017 to 2023.
Ewing became one of the best centers in the NBA during his time with the Knicks, where he spent 15 of his 17 seasons as a player after being selected by the franchise with the first overall pick in the 1985 Draft.
During his 15 years spent with the organization, Ewing became the Knicks’ all-time leader in “scoring (23,665), rebounding (10,759), blocks (2,758), steals (1,061) minutes played (37,586) and games played (1,039),” as reported by NBA.com.
The Knicks and Ewing managed to make the NBA playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons from 1987 to 2000, along with winning three Atlantic Division Titles in 1989, 1993, and 1994, and four Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 1993, 1994, 1999, and 2000.
Ewing’s tenure with the Knicks also included two appearances in the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999, where New York eventually fell to the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.
Knicks President Leon Rose said the franchise is “humbled” to bring the legend back and the pairing is perfect because “The New York Knicks and Patrick Ewing are synonymous with one another.”
“A monumental figure in New York basketball lore, Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge from his time both on and off the court that is unmatched. We are ecstatic that Patrick will once again be back in the blue and orange,” he added, according to NBA.com.
Ewing echoed these comments and said he will “always be a Knick” and always be a New Yorker,” which is something that has not changed despite him working in other cities since his retirement.
“I can’t wait to get started in this new position and to officially be back with the organization that I love so much,” he said, per NBA.com.
“The Garden has always been my home and I’m looking forward to working with Leon Rose, Coach Thibodeau, the team and everyone else that makes this place so special.”
