Patrick Ewing is returning to the NBA sidelines as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, according to an ESPN report on Saturday. This move comes after Ewing spent the last two seasons as a basketball ambassador for the New York Knicks.
Ewing, a celebrated figure in Knicks history, previously held the head coaching position at his alma mater, Georgetown University, from 2017 to 2023. During his tenure with the Hoyas, he led the team to a Big East Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021. However, the subsequent two seasons saw the team win a combined 13 games, leading to his dismissal.
In October 2024, Ewing rejoined the Knicks organization in a role focused on assisting both basketball and business operations. At the time, he expressed his continued connection to the team and the city, stating, "As I said the day my number 33 lifted in the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick and I will always be a New Yorker."
During his recent association with the Knicks, the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Pacers. They later secured a championship, which was aided by a 13-game winning streak.
Ewing's return to coaching comes as the Wizards look to rebuild. The team finished last season with only 17 wins but secured the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, selecting AJ Dybantsa from BYU. The Wizards roster includes several talented players, offering Ewing an opportunity to contribute to their development.