11 Time All-Star Center Brings 17 years of NBA Experience to the Wizards Bench

Washington Wizards General Manager Wes Unseld confirmed today that Patrick Ewing has agreed to join the team as an assistant coach. Ewing, who announced his retirement and his new position at a press conference in New York City Tuesday afternoon, finished his 17-year NBA career with 24,815 points and 11,606 rebounds.

“We’re extremely pleased and proud that Patrick Ewing has accepted a position as Assistant Coach for the Wizards,” said Wizards Owner Abe Pollin. “After thrilling us during his collegiate career here in Washington at Georgetown and his legendary career with the Knicks, it will be a unique opportunity for our players to be tutored by three of the 50 greatest players of all time - Michael Jordan, Wes Unseld and now Patrick Ewing.”

Ewing, named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA History, teamed with Michael Jordan in winning two gold medals, the first at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and the second at the 1992 games in Barcelona. Ewing also won a National Championship during his junior year at Georgetown University, where he led the Hoyas to the Final Four in three of his four years.

“It’s great to have Patrick Ewing on our side for a change,” said Unseld. “Obviously Patrick’s playing career speaks for itself and I know that the knowledge he has gained during his career will be a valuable asset to our coaching staff. You can’t measure the value of experience and Patrick will share that experience with our players.”

Selected with the first overall selection of the 1985 draft by the New York Knicks, Ewing was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1986. Ewing averaged 22.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in 15 seasons with the Knicks. He is the franchise leader in games (1,039), points (23,665), rebounds (10,579), blocks (2,758), steals (1,061), minutes (37,586), field goals made (9,260), field goals attempted (18,224), free throws made (5, 126) and free throws attempted (6,904). He finished his career ranked in the top 20 in the NBA in points and rebounds.

“What more could you ask than to have a future hall-of-fame player on your staff working with your players every day,” said Wizards Head Coach Doug Collins. “It will be a real privilege for our players to work with Patrick. His first-hand experience in this league, the ability to prepare yourself as a professional, and knowing what it takes to win, will be absolutely priceless lessons for our players to learn from Patrick.”

Ewing led New York to the playoffs in 13 of his 15 seasons, and averaged 20.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in 135 career playoff games. He also led the Knicks to the 1994 NBA Finals, where he set a Finals record with 30 blocked shots. Ewing was traded to Seattle in a four-team trade on September 20, 2000 and finished his career last season as a member of the Orlando Magic.