Patrick Ewing
Patrick Aloysius Ewing (born August 5, 1962) is a Jamaican-born American former professional basketball player renowned for his tenure as a dominant center in the National Basketball Association (NBA), primarily with the New York Knicks.[1][2]
Ewing moved to the United States at age 12 and excelled at Georgetown University, where he led the Hoyas to three NCAA Final Four appearances and the 1984 national championship as a two-time consensus All-American.[3][4]
Selected first overall in the 1985 NBA draft by the Knicks, he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1986, made 11 All-Star appearances, and was named to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list, anchoring New York playoff runs throughout the 1990s despite no championship.[2][3][5]
Internationally, Ewing won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. men's basketball team in 1984 and 1992.[6][3]
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Jamaica and Family Origins
Patrick Ewing was born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, to Carl Ewing, a mechanic, and Dorothy Ewing, a homemaker.[7][8] He was the fifth of seven children in the family.[9] His birth occurred one day before Jamaica's declaration of independence from British rule on August 6, 1962.[10] During his early childhood in Kingston, Ewing grew up in a modest household where resources were limited, reflecting the economic conditions of post-colonial Jamaica.[7] He initially showed no particular aptitude for basketball, instead excelling in local sports such as cricket and soccer, which were dominant in Jamaican culture.[11][12] These activities occupied much of his time before his family's emigration, highlighting a typical island upbringing focused on community and traditional pastimes rather than American-style athletics.[13] The Ewing family's decision to relocate stemmed from aspirations for better opportunities abroad, with Carl and Dorothy prioritizing education and economic stability for their children amid Jamaica's challenges in the early 1970s.[10] This move, when Ewing was 12 years old, marked the end of his Jamaican childhood, during which he remained on the island longer than some siblings due to financial constraints on his parents' initial emigration.[7]Immigration and Adjustment to the United States
In 1975, Patrick Ewing, born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, to parents Carl and Mary Ewing, immigrated to the United States at age 12, joining his family in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the Greater Boston area.[14] The move aligned with broader patterns of Jamaican migration during the era, often driven by economic opportunities, though specific family motivations remain undocumented in primary accounts.[12] Upon arrival, Ewing stood at approximately 6 feet tall and faced immediate cultural dislocation, including adaptation to New England's harsh winters contrasting Jamaica's tropical climate.[12] Ewing's adjustment involved navigating social challenges, including persistent teasing from classmates over his Jamaican accent and physical awkwardness as a rapidly growing youth who reached 6-foot-10 by junior high.[2] These incidents escalated into physical altercations, which Ewing later attributed to fostering his resilience and competitive edge, stating in interviews that such confrontations toughened him for future athletic demands.[15] Racial tensions in 1970s Cambridge, a diverse but stratified urban area, compounded these experiences, with Ewing encountering prejudice as a Black immigrant in predominantly white school environments.[16] Despite these hurdles, Ewing enrolled in local public schools, initially focusing on soccer before discovering basketball in the ninth grade at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School under coach Mike Jarvis, who noted his initial slim build and foreign accent upon entry in seventh grade.[16] This late introduction to the sport—uncommon for future elites—marked a turning point, as Ewing's height and emerging athleticism allowed him to channel adversities into on-court dominance, leading the team to three consecutive Massachusetts state championships from 1979 to 1981.[17] His family, including seven siblings, provided stability, with his father securing employment to support the household.[18]High School Basketball Development
Ewing immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in 1975 at age 12 and initially engaged in sports like soccer and track before discovering basketball through local youth programs in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[19] He enrolled at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, where coach Mike Jarvis mentored his rapid adaptation to the sport despite having only a few years of experience.[11] Under Jarvis's guidance, Ewing transitioned from a novice to a physically imposing center, emphasizing defensive fundamentals and post play that would define his career.[20] As a sophomore in the 1978–1979 season, Ewing averaged 14 points per game, improving to 18 points per game as a junior in 1979–1980 and 23 points per game as a senior in 1980–1981.[21] These performances propelled the Falcons to a remarkable 76–1 record across his final three high school seasons, showcasing his growing dominance in rebounding, shot-blocking, and interior scoring.[21] In his senior year, he posted averages of 22.7 points, 15 rebounds, and a 72% field goal percentage, establishing him as one of the nation's top prospects.[17] Ewing's high school tenure highlighted his raw athleticism and quick skill acquisition, drawing national scouts and leading to recruitment by elite college programs; his intimidating presence on the court, combined with disciplined development, foreshadowed his future success at Georgetown.[11] By graduation in 1981, he had transformed Cambridge Rindge and Latin's basketball program into a powerhouse, with his contributions extending beyond statistics to team leadership and defensive intensity.[16]College Career
Recruitment to Georgetown
Ewing emerged as a dominant force at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he played under coach Mike Jarvis.[21] During his final three seasons, the team compiled a 77-1 record, including an undefeated 25-0 mark in his senior year, while securing three consecutive Massachusetts Division I state championships.[17] As a senior, he averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, drawing national attention for his size—at 7 feet tall—and defensive prowess.[22] Regarded as the top high school basketball recruit in the nation, Ewing attracted interest from elite programs including Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, UCLA, and Villanova.[23][24] Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. pursued him strategically, delaying home visits until the signing day and emphasizing the program's defensive emphasis, which aligned with Ewing's strengths in the paint.[25] Ewing visited campuses and cited Georgetown's appealing environment, including its campus, surrounding community, and existing players, as key factors in his decision over competitors.[26] On February 2, 1981, Ewing announced his commitment to Georgetown during a news conference in Boston attended by approximately 150 reporters, signing a letter of intent to join the Hoyas for the 1981-82 season.[27][28] This choice surprised many in college basketball, elevating Georgetown's national profile and marking a pivotal recruitment coup for Thompson, who had built the program around disciplined, physical play.[29]Key Seasons and Performances
In his freshman season of 1981–82, Ewing averaged 12.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, earning second-team All-Big East honors while leading Georgetown to a 30–7 record and an appearance in the NCAA championship game, where they fell 63–62 to North Carolina.[30] His defensive presence, including multiple blocks in key games, helped establish the Hoyas as a national contender despite his relative inexperience.[31] As a sophomore in 1982–83, Ewing elevated his production to 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game on 66% field goal shooting, anchoring a defense that propelled Georgetown to a 22–10 regular-season mark before an early NCAA Tournament exit.[21] His shot-blocking prowess deterred opponents, contributing to the team's physical style under coach John Thompson. Ewing's junior year in 1983–84 saw him average 16.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, guiding the Hoyas to the program's sole NCAA national championship with an 84–75 victory over Houston in the final on April 2, 1984, where he earned tournament MVP honors after recording 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks.[32][33] The team's suffocating defense limited opponents to 39% shooting overall, never exceeding 43% in any game, underscoring Ewing's rim protection.[4] During his senior season of 1984–85, Ewing posted 14.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, leading the top-ranked Hoyas to another Final Four appearance before a shocking 66–64 upset loss to Villanova in the championship game on April 1, 1985.[34] He received Associated Press Player of the Year accolades, capping a career that included three NCAA All-Tournament selections and set Georgetown records for rebounds (1,316) and blocks.[4]| Season | PPG | RPG | APG | Team Record | Postseason Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981–82 | 12.7 | 7.5 | — | 30–7 | NCAA Runner-up |
| 1982–83 | 16.0 | 10.0 | — | 22–10 | NCAA Second Round |
| 1983–84 | 16.4 | 10.0 | 0.8 | 31–3 | NCAA Champions, Ewing MVP |
| 1984–85 | 14.6 | 9.2 | 1.3 | 27–4 | NCAA Runner-up |
National Championship and Final Four Appearances
As a freshman in the 1981–82 season, Ewing led Georgetown to its first Final Four appearance since 1943, defeating Wyoming (61–49), Pittsburgh (82–72, overtime), and Louisville (87–79, overtime) before falling to North Carolina 63–62 in the national championship game on March 29, 1982, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.[4][35] In that game, Ewing recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds, though a last-second shot by North Carolina's Michael Jordan proved decisive.[4] He earned All-East Region and All-Final Four honors for his efforts.[36] In the 1983–84 season, Georgetown advanced to the Final Four for the second time in three years, overcoming Lehigh (81–58), Columbia (65–53), and LSU (79–68 in the regional final) en route to the semifinals, where they defeated Kentucky 53–49.[37] On April 2, 1984, the Hoyas defeated Houston 84–75 in the championship game at the Kingdome in Seattle, securing the program's first and only NCAA Division I men's basketball title under coach John Thompson, the first African American head coach to win the tournament.[37][38] Ewing, anchoring the defense against Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon, contributed to holding the Cougars below their scoring average while earning NCAA All-Tournament and Most Outstanding Player honors; he averaged 17.0 points and 8.7 rebounds across five tournament games.[4][39] Ewing's senior year in 1984–85 saw Georgetown return to the Final Four as the top overall seed, navigating past Lehigh (71–59), Pepperdine (85–62), and LSU again (87–59 in the regional final) before a 66–64 upset loss to eighth-seeded Villanova in the championship game on April 1, 1985, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.[4][40] Despite Georgetown's favored status and Ewing's defensive presence—limiting Villanova to 22-for-28 free throws in a game noted for its low scoring—the Wildcats shot an NCAA final-record 78.6% from the field (22-of-28).[4] Ewing received All-Final Four recognition for the third consecutive year, capping a career with three championship game appearances.[36]Professional Playing Career
1985 NBA Draft and Lottery Controversy
The 1985 NBA draft lottery, the first of its kind in league history, was implemented to determine the No. 1 overall pick among the seven teams with the worst regular-season records, replacing the prior system where the worst team automatically received the top selection.[41] Each participating team, including the New York Knicks who finished 24–58 (third-worst record), received equal probability of 1 in 7 (approximately 14.29%) for the top pick, with envelopes containing team logos drawn from a transparent hopper by NBA Commissioner David Stern.[41][42] The event occurred on May 12, 1985, in New York City, and the Knicks' envelope was selected first, securing their rights to draft Georgetown center Patrick Ewing, widely regarded as the consensus top prospect after leading the Hoyas to the 1984 NCAA championship game and earning Olympic gold with Team USA.[42][43] The draw sparked immediate controversy when Stern appeared to hesitate momentarily as he extracted the Knicks' envelope, prompting allegations that the league had manipulated the outcome to deliver Ewing—a Jamaican-born, 7-foot center with defensive dominance and rebounding prowess—to the high-profile New York market amid the Knicks' decade of futility and the NBA's broader struggles with declining attendance and television ratings in the early 1980s.[41] The "frozen envelope" theory emerged, positing that the Knicks' envelope had been chilled or otherwise altered (e.g., with a bent corner) to make it identifiable by touch, allowing Stern—whose career began in the NBA's New York offices in 1966—to preferentially select it from the hopper.[41] Proponents cited the potential financial boon for the NBA, as Ewing's arrival revitalized Madison Square Garden attendance and provided a marketable star in the nation's largest media market, contrasting with smaller-market alternatives like the Indiana Pacers or Philadelphia 76ers.[41] Stern and the NBA vehemently denied any impropriety, attributing the envelope's brief stickiness to normal humidity or paper adhesion in the unconditioned hotel conference room, and an internal league investigation found no evidence of tampering.[41] Despite the lack of substantiation after nearly four decades, the theory persists in fan discourse and media retrospectives, often invoked in discussions of subsequent lottery outcomes, though no comparable rigging has been credibly documented.[41] The Knicks selected Ewing first overall on June 18, 1985, initiating a 15-year tenure that yielded eight All-Star appearances but no championships, underscoring that while the lottery win addressed short-term franchise needs, broader team-building challenges endured.[43][42]New York Knicks Tenure (1985–2000)
Ewing's arrival via the first overall selection in the 1985 NBA Draft marked the beginning of a transformative era for the Knicks, as he quickly established himself as the team's defensive cornerstone and primary scoring option. In his 1985–86 rookie campaign, limited to 50 games due to a late-season injury, he posted averages of 20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, securing unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year honors and leading all newcomers in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage.[44][45] Throughout his 15 seasons with New York, spanning 1,039 games, Ewing maintained elite production with career averages of 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game across his full NBA tenure, the bulk of which occurred with the Knicks.[46][45] He anchored a Knicks squad that compiled a 601–438 regular-season record during his time, including multiple Atlantic Division titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s under coaches Hubie Brown, Rick Pitino, and Pat Riley.[47] Ewing earned 11 All-Star selections (1986, 1988–1997), seven All-NBA honors (three First Team, four Second Team), and three All-Defensive First Team nods, reflecting his dominance as a rim protector and interior scorer.[48] Ewing holds Knicks franchise records for games played (1,039), total points scored, rebounds (10,759), and blocks (2,758), underscoring his longevity and impact.[49][50] His defensive intensity fueled 13 playoff appearances in 15 seasons, yielding a 72–67 postseason record and deep runs, including Eastern Conference Finals berths in 1993, 1994, and 1999.[51] In the 1994 playoffs, Ewing averaged 21.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks over 25 games, highlighted by a game-winning putback dunk in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, propelling New York to its first NBA Finals since 1973—though they fell to the Houston Rockets in seven games.[52] The Knicks returned to the Finals in 1999, but Ewing's tenure ended amid mounting injuries and team frustrations; on February 21, 2000, he was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in a deal involving multiple players and picks, closing his Knicks chapter without a championship.[45]Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic Stints (2000–2002)
On September 20, 2000, Ewing was traded from the New York Knicks to the Seattle SuperSonics in a four-team, 12-player deal that also involved the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors; in exchange, the Knicks acquired Glen Rice from the Houston Rockets (via Bulls), while Seattle sought Ewing's veteran presence to bolster their frontcourt alongside Gary Payton and Ray Allen.[53] [54] At age 38, Ewing started all 79 games for Seattle in the 2000–01 season, averaging 26.7 minutes, 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, though his field goal percentage dipped to 43.0%—a career low reflecting diminished athleticism and efficiency amid ongoing knee issues.[45] The SuperSonics finished 44–38 and advanced to the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, but lost in the first round to the Sacramento Kings 3–2, with Ewing contributing modestly in the series (8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds per game).[45] Following the season, Seattle waived Ewing, who then signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent on July 18, 2001, accepting a significant pay cut from his prior $14 million salary to approximately $2.25 million for a two-year deal, motivated by a desire to continue playing under familiar coaching influences like John Gabriel.[55] [56] In 2001–02, at age 39–40, Ewing appeared in 65 games off the bench (starting only 4), limited to 13.9 minutes per game and averaging 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.7 blocks, with a slightly improved 44.4% field goal rate but clear signs of physical decline.[45] The Magic ended 44–38 and reached the playoffs, falling 3–1 to the Detroit Pistons in the first round, where Ewing played sparingly (4.5 points, 2.8 rebounds in 10.0 minutes across four games).[45] [57]| Season | Team | G | GS | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | BLK | FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–01 | Seattle SuperSonics | 79 | 79 | 26.7 | 9.6 | 7.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | .430 | .685 |
| 2001–02 | Orlando Magic | 65 | 4 | 13.9 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.7 | .444 | .701 |
International and National Team Career
Olympic Games Participation
Ewing was invited to try out for the 1980 United States Olympic basketball team as a high school senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, marking the first time a high school player received such an invitation.[60] However, the United States boycotted the Moscow Olympics in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, preventing his participation.[61] Ewing earned a spot on the 1984 United States Olympic team as an amateur player from Georgetown University, contributing to their undefeated 8-0 run and gold medal victory in Los Angeles.[62] Over eight games, he averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in 17.9 minutes of play, shooting 55.4% from the field and 74.3% from the free-throw line.[62] The team dominated opponents with an average winning margin of 32.1 points, showcasing the strength of top college talent before the influx of professional players.[63] In 1992, Ewing joined the legendary "Dream Team" in Barcelona, the first United States Olympic squad to feature NBA professionals following FIBA's rule change.[64] The team, including stars like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, went 8-0 en route to gold, winning each game by at least 30 points and averaging a 43.8-point margin.[65] Ewing, serving primarily as a reserve center behind David Robinson, averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 17.6 minutes across eight contests, with efficient 62.3% field goal shooting.[65] His defensive presence bolstered the team's interior dominance, though limited minutes reflected the depth of elite big men available.[66] These appearances cemented two Olympic gold medals in Ewing's international career.[67]FIBA World Championships and Other Tournaments
Ewing did not participate in any FIBA World Championships, as U.S. teams in those events during his playing career primarily featured college or non-NBA professionals until the early 1990s, and he was not selected for the 1986 or 1990 tournaments.[68] His primary non-Olympic international appearance came in the 1992 FIBA Americas Championship, held in Portland, Oregon, from June 27 to July 5, serving as the qualifying tournament for the Barcelona Olympics.[69] The U.S. roster, including NBA stars like Ewing, Charles Barkley, and Karl Malone, went undefeated with an average margin of victory exceeding 40 points per game, capturing the gold medal. Ewing, serving as a key frontcourt presence, contributed defensively and on the boards, tying Malone for the team's rebounding lead at 5.3 per game across the eight contests.[68] This event marked an early showcase for NBA involvement in FIBA competitions following the Soviet boycott's aftermath and rising global interest, paving the way for the Dream Team's Olympic dominance later that summer. No records indicate Ewing's involvement in other FIBA-sanctioned events, such as the Pan American Games, where he attended tryouts in May 1983 but withdrew due to conflicts with Georgetown's academic and practice schedule.[70]Playing Style, Strengths, and Criticisms
Defensive Prowess and Rebounding
Patrick Ewing's defensive impact was rooted in his exceptional shot-blocking and rim protection, amassing 2,894 career blocks to rank eighth in NBA history.[71] His peak came in the 1989-90 season, when he averaged 4.0 blocks per game, the highest single-season mark for a Knicks player.[72] These figures underscored his ability to alter opponents' shots without fouling excessively, as evidenced by his career block percentage rankings and deterrence effect in the paint.[73] Ewing's length, timing, and positioning made him a formidable anchor, contributing 81.4 defensive Win Shares—surpassed by only eight players historically.[74] Despite this production, Ewing's defensive recognition was limited; he earned three All-Defensive Second Team selections (1988, 1989, 1992) but never made the First Team or won Defensive Player of the Year, receiving votes only once (tied for fifth in 1992-93).[1][74] He led the league in defensive rating twice, highlighting his role in elevating team defenses, particularly during the Knicks' physically imposing units in the early 1990s that ranked among the NBA's stingiest.[75] Ewing's versatility extended to rebounding on the defensive end, where he ranked 12th all-time with 8,855 defensive rebounds and paced the NBA with 789 in 1993.[76] Ewing's overall rebounding prowess complemented his blocking, with career averages of 9.8 rebounds per game and 11,617 total boards, placing him 27th all-time.[77] As the Knicks' franchise leader in rebounds (10,759), he posted a career-high 26 in a single game against the Miami Heat on December 19, 1992.[78][79] His positioning and strength on the glass helped New York control defensive rebounding margins, fostering transition defense and second-chance prevention in an era of slower-paced, physical play.[2] This dual-threat presence in the paint defined Ewing's value, enabling the Knicks to compete against offensively dominant foes through grit and efficiency rather than speed.[80]Offensive Limitations and Free-Throw Struggles
Ewing's offensive repertoire centered on low-post isolation scoring, leveraging his size, strength, and footwork for turnaround jumpers and finger rolls, which contributed to a career field goal percentage of 50.4%.[45] This interior efficiency, peaking at 55.5% in the 1987-88 season, allowed him to average 21.0 points per game over 1,183 regular-season contests, but his game lacked perimeter extension, with three-point attempts comprising less than 1% of his shots and a 15.2% success rate thereon.[45] Such limitations in shooting range constrained team spacing and forced predictable half-court sets, as defenses could sag off without fear of consistent mid-range or beyond-the-arc threats.[81] Further restricting offensive dynamism was Ewing's isolation-heavy style and limited playmaking vision, which analysts have identified as scaling poorly in multi-star lineups and contributing to stagnant possessions.[80] His true shooting percentage of 55.7% and effective field goal percentage of 50.3% underscored solid but not elite efficiency for a primary option, particularly given the era's emphasis on post dominance without complementary shooting.[45] The New York Knicks' offense, often paced slowly to maximize Ewing's touches, frequently faltered in generating open looks for teammates, amplifying these individual constraints into systemic issues during playoff runs.[81] Ewing's free-throw shooting exacerbated these challenges, with a career mark of 74.0% on 7,289 attempts—resulting in 1,897 misses—and a playoff clip of 73.6% across 287 games.[45] This subpar accuracy for a foul-drawing interior force proved costly in tight contests; for instance, in Game 1 of the 1990 Eastern Conference Semifinals against Boston, he converted only 4 of 10 free throws amid a Knicks loss.[82] High-volume seasons, such as 648 attempts in 1989-90, highlighted the volume of opportunities squandered, undermining late-game reliability despite his physical advantages in drawing contact.[83] Contemporary critiques noted that this weakness, combined with range restrictions, prevented Ewing from fully exploiting defensive help rotations, tilting close series outcomes.[84]Comparisons to Contemporaries
Patrick Ewing is often grouped with Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Shaquille O'Neal as the premier centers of the 1990s, forming a competitive quartet that dominated the paint during an era emphasizing interior play.[85] Ewing's career overlapped significantly with these peers, whom he faced in 35 regular-season and playoff games against Olajuwon (where Olajuwon held an 18-17 edge), 19 games against Robinson (Robinson 12-7), and 26 against O'Neal (O'Neal 15-11).[86][87][88] In head-to-head matchups, Ewing averaged 21.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game against O'Neal, holding his own defensively despite O'Neal's physical advantages, though O'Neal countered with 28.7 points and 12.0 rebounds.[89] Against Olajuwon, Ewing posted 18.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks across 35 games, trailing Olajuwon's 20.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks.[90] Versus Robinson, Ewing averaged 19.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 19 encounters.[91]| Player | Career PPG | RPG | BPG | Championships | MVPs | DPOYs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hakeem Olajuwon | 21.8 | 11.1 | 3.1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| David Robinson | 21.1 | 10.6 | 3.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 23.7 | 10.9 | 2.3 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Patrick Ewing | 21.0 | 9.8 | 2.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Awards, Honors, and Statistical Overview
Individual Accolades
Ewing earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 1985–86 season, becoming the first Knicks player to receive the honor since Willis Reed in 1964–65, after posting averages of 20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game across 50 appearances.[2][48] This performance also secured him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.[48] In recognition of his career contributions, Ewing was selected to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list in 1996, commemorating the league's 50th anniversary.[98] He received similar acknowledgment in 2021 as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.[48] Ewing's induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame occurred in 2008, honoring his achievements as a player, including his defensive impact and longevity in the league.[3] The New York Knicks retired his jersey number 33 on February 18, 2003, during a halftime ceremony at Madison Square Garden.[48]All-Star and All-NBA Selections
Ewing was selected to the NBA All-Star Game 11 times during his career, specifically in 1986 and consecutively from 1988 to 1997.[45] These selections recognized his dominance as a center for the New York Knicks, where he often started for the Eastern Conference, averaging 20.0 points and 9.7 rebounds across his All-Star appearances.[48] His 1986 selection came as a rookie, marking him as the Knicks' first All-Star since 1973.[45] In terms of All-NBA honors, Ewing earned seven total selections, comprising one First Team nod in 1990 and six Second Team selections in 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1997.[45] The 1990 First Team placement highlighted his peak performance that season, leading the Knicks in scoring (28.6 points per game) and rebounding (10.9 per game) while ranking among league leaders in blocks. His Second Team selections reflected consistent excellence in rebounding and defense, though he never received All-NBA Third Team honors.[45]| Year | All-Star Selection | All-NBA Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Selected | - |
| 1988 | Selected | Second |
| 1989 | Selected | Second |
| 1990 | Selected | First |
| 1991 | Selected | Second |
| 1992 | Selected | Second |
| 1993 | Selected | Second |
| 1994 | Selected | - |
| 1995 | Selected | - |
| 1996 | Selected | - |
| 1997 | Selected | Second |
Career Statistics: Regular Season, Playoffs, and College
Ewing compiled impressive totals across 1,183 regular-season games from 1985 to 2002, primarily with the New York Knicks, amassing 24,815 points at an average of 21.0 per game, 11,617 rebounds (9.8 per game), 2,206 assists (1.9 per game), 1,039 steals (0.9 per game), and 2,867 blocks (2.4 per game), while maintaining field-goal and free-throw percentages of 50.7% and 73.7%, respectively.[45] His durability was evident in leading the league in games played four times and ranking among the top centers in usage during an era dominated by physical interior play.[45]| Statistic | Total | Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 1,183 | - |
| Minutes Played (MP) | 40,594 | 34.3 |
| Points (PTS) | 24,815 | 21.0 |
| Rebounds (TRB) | 11,617 | 9.8 |
| Assists (AST) | 2,206 | 1.9 |
| Steals (STL) | 1,039 | 0.9 |
| Blocks (BLK) | 2,867 | 2.4 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | - | 50.7 |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | - | 73.7 |
| Statistic | Total | Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 120 | - |
| Minutes Played (MP) | 5,207 | 43.4 |
| Points (PTS) | 2,813 | 23.4 |
| Rebounds (TRB) | 1,293 | 10.8 |
| Assists (AST) | 208 | 1.7 |
| Steals (STL) | 128 | 1.1 |
| Blocks (BLK) | 323 | 2.7 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | - | 48.6 |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | - | 72.5 |
| Statistic | Total | Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 143 | - |
| Points (PTS) | 2,189 | 15.3 |
| Rebounds (TRB) | 1,364 | 9.5 |
| Assists (AST) | 152 | 1.1 |
| Blocks (BLK) | 338 | 2.4 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | - | 57.9 |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | - | 61.5 |
Coaching Career
NBA Assistant Coaching Roles
Ewing began his NBA coaching career as an assistant with the Washington Wizards for the 2003–04 season, working under head coach Eddie Jordan during a transitional period for the franchise following Michael Jordan's departure as president of basketball operations.[2] The Wizards compiled a 25–57 record that year, missing the playoffs, with Ewing contributing to player development amid a roster featuring Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. He then moved to the Houston Rockets as an assistant from 2004 to 2006, serving under coaches Jeff Van Gundy and later Tom Thibodeau during Yao Ming's prime years.[2] The Rockets reached the playoffs in both seasons, advancing to the first round each time with records of 51–31 in 2004–05 and 34–48 in the lockout-shortened 2005–06 campaign, though limited details exist on Ewing's specific defensive or big-man coaching contributions. From 2007 to 2012, Ewing served as an assistant with the Orlando Magic under head coaches Brian Hill, Stan Van Gundy, and briefly Scott Skiles, focusing on developing center Dwight Howard into a dominant two-way force.[2] During this tenure, the Magic made four playoff appearances, including an Eastern Conference Finals run in 2009 and a 59–23 record in 2008–09, with Howard earning three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011. Ewing concluded his NBA assistant roles with the Charlotte Bobcats (later rebranded as the Hornets) from 2012 to 2017, initially as an assistant and later promoted to associate head coach under Steve Clifford starting in 2013.[2][99] He worked with young centers like Bismack Biyombo, contributing to the team's first playoff appearance in franchise history in 2014 (43–39 record) and another in 2016, though the Bobcats/Hornets struggled overall with winning percentages below .400 in most seasons. Throughout his 14-year assistant tenure across these franchises, Ewing emphasized defensive fundamentals and post play drawn from his Hall of Fame playing experience, though he never ascended to an NBA head coaching position.[100]Head Coach at Georgetown (2017–2023)
Patrick Ewing was hired as head coach of the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team on April 3, 2017, returning to his alma mater where he had starred as a player from 1981 to 1985.[101] The appointment came after the program had experienced recent struggles, posting records of 15-18 and 14-18 in the two prior seasons under John Thompson III.[102] In his first season (2017–18), Ewing led the Hoyas to a 15–15 overall record, showing initial promise but failing to qualify for postseason play.[103] The team improved in 2018–19, finishing 19–14 overall and earning an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), though they lost in the first round to Harvard 71–77.[104] The 2019–20 season ended at 15–17 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened schedules and canceled postseason tournaments.[103] The 2020–21 campaign marked the highlight of Ewing's tenure, with the Hoyas compiling a 13–13 overall record in a pandemic-disrupted regular season.[103] As the eighth seed in the Big East Tournament, Georgetown staged a remarkable run, defeating higher-seeded teams including top-seeded Villanova and second-seeded Creighton 73–48 in the final on March 13, 2021, to claim the conference title.[105] This victory secured the program's first NCAA Tournament berth under Ewing, but the Hoyas were eliminated in the first round by Colorado, 73–96, on March 20, 2021.[106] Subsequent seasons saw a sharp decline, with records of 6–25 in 2021–22 and 7–25 in 2022–23, including a Big East-record 29 consecutive conference losses spanning the final stretch of 2020–21 through early 2022–23.[107] Over six seasons, Ewing's teams posted a 75–109 overall record and went 28–81 in Big East regular-season play, with no additional NCAA appearances.[103] [102] Georgetown fired Ewing on March 9, 2023, citing the program's lack of competitive progress and sustained poor performance in conference competition.[108]Performance Evaluation and Firing
Ewing compiled an overall record of 75–109 (.408 winning percentage) during his six seasons as Georgetown's head coach from 2017 to 2023.[103] His teams achieved only one winning season, in 2018–19 with a 19–14 mark that earned an NIT berth, while the 2020–21 squad finished 13–13 overall but won the Big East Conference tournament to secure an NCAA Tournament appearance before a first-round exit.[109][103] Performance declined sharply thereafter, with records of 6–25 in 2021–22 and 7–25 in 2022–23, including a 2–18 Big East mark in the final year, marking the program's worst two-year stretch under Ewing at 13–50.[103][107]| Season | Overall Record |
|---|---|
| 2017–18 | 15–15 |
| 2018–19 | 19–14 |
| 2019–20 | 15–17 |
| 2020–21 | 13–13 |
| 2021–22 | 6–25 |
| 2022–23 | 7–25 |