Basketball legend Patrick Ewing is set to rejoin the professional coaching ranks, taking on an assistant role with the Washington Wizards under head coach Brian Keefe. This move also sees former head coach Steve Clifford joining the Wizards as a coaching advisor, marking a significant strengthening of the team's guidance. The appointments bring together two seasoned basketball figures with extensive experience in both playing and coaching at the highest levels of the sport. Their combined expertise is expected to provide invaluable support to the team, particularly in developing young talent and refining the performance of established players.
Ewing, a towering figure in NBA history, previously served as an ambassador for the New York Knicks, where he spent the majority of his illustrious playing career from 1985 to 2000. His coaching journey began with an assistant position with the Wizards in 2002-03, followed by similar roles with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets. His return to the Wizards' bench is anticipated to greatly benefit the team's roster, especially promising talents like the 2026 No. 1 overall pick, AJ Dybantsa, who shares Ewing's distinction of being a top draft selection. Ewing's experience as a dominant center and a former No. 1 pick himself makes him an ideal mentor for rising stars and veteran players such as Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
Adding to the wealth of experience, Steve Clifford, aged 64, reunites with Ewing, having previously worked together during Clifford's tenure as head coach of the Bobcats/Hornets from 2013 to 2017. Clifford's coaching career also includes head coaching stints with the Orlando Magic from 2018 to 2021, and assistant roles with several prominent NBA teams, including the Knicks, Magic, Rockets, and Lakers, before taking on the top job at Charlotte. Most recently, he served as a coaching advisor for the Phoenix Suns since August 2025. This history of collaboration between Ewing and Clifford suggests a strong working relationship and a shared understanding of team dynamics and player development.
Ewing's influence extends beyond the professional courts. He notably led his alma mater, Georgetown, to the Big East tournament championship in 2021 during his time as head coach from 2017 to 2023. While his tenure concluded in 2023, his leadership at the collegiate level further underscores his deep commitment to basketball. A testament to his enduring legacy, the Knicks retired his No. 33 jersey in 2003, honoring his record-setting contributions in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, and games played for the franchise. His consistent performance led New York to the postseason for 13 consecutive seasons during his playing career.
The integration of Patrick Ewing and Steve Clifford into the Washington Wizards' coaching staff marks a strategic move to infuse the team with profound basketball knowledge and proven leadership. Their extensive backgrounds as players and coaches, coupled with their previous working relationship, are expected to foster a robust developmental environment for the Wizards' current and future talents. This collaboration aims to enhance the team's strategic capabilities and overall performance in the upcoming seasons.
