Patrick Ewing Joins Washington Wizards As Assistant Coach

Mar 8, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Patrick Ewing against Villanova at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Patrick Ewing Joins Washington Wizards As Assistant Coach

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Charles North | Last updated Jul 5, 2026 9:50 AM ET

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Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing is returning to an NBA sideline.

The Washington Wizards have hired the legendary New York Knicks center to be an assistant coach on Brandon Keefe’s coaching staff. Ewing was in a similar role with the Wizards during the 2002-2003 season, and he now returns for 2026.

Patrick Ewing Coaching Career

Ewing has spent the majority of the last 25 years on the sidelines in some form of coaching role. He was an assistant coach at the NBA level from 2002 to 2017. He was in that role for numerous franchises, including the Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic. After his time as an assistant coach, he went to the Charlotte Hornets under the tag “associate Head Coach”.

Until now, this would be his final stop in the NBA. He moved to college and began coaching at his alma mater, Georgetown. He began his head coaching career with great success, but struggled in his final two seasons. He went 6-25 and 7-25 in each of his last years before being let go. That was the last time he was in any sort of coaching role.

Washington Wizards Outlook

Jun 25, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards first round draft pick and number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa speaks to the media during a press conference at InterContinental Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The Wizards are going to be one of the most interesting teams in the NBA this season. From proven stars like Trae Young and Anthony Davis to young prospects like AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, and Alex Sarr.

Washington has a chance to really contend for a solid playoff spot next season. It appears the time in the top of the lottery and play-in tournament is over for the Wizards. Recent moves, like adding DeAndre Ayton via trade, continue to add to their impressive depth pool. This has a chance to be a really fun team to watch in 2026.

End Of My Patrick Ewing Washington Wizards Rant

Feb 8, 2023; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Patrick Ewing calls out to the team during the second half against the Providence Friars at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Ewing rejoining an NBA bench is going to be really cool to see. He has been serving in an Ambassador role with the Knicks organization.

The Wizards are not keeping the staff additions to just Ewing: They are reportedly adding veteran coach Steve Clifford. Ewing served as an assistant under him when they were together in Charlotte from 2013 to 2017.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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