Hubbard replaces Ewing on bench

The Washington Wizards lost Patrick Ewing from their coaching staff yesterday but wasted little time replacing him when coach Eddie Jordan named Phil Hubbard to take his place.

Ewing was released from the final two months on his Wizards contract and promptly signed on as an assistant with the Houston Rockets, where he will join his former coach in New York, Jeff Van Gundy. Ewing’s departure was not unexpected because he was brought in by Michael Jordan, former Wizards player and president of basketball operations.

“As usual, Patrick does everything in the most professional manner, and through this transition period he has been absolutely terrific,” new president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement.

Hubbard spent the last three seasons as an assistant in Golden State. Before coming to the Warriors, Hubbard had been an assistant in Atlanta since 1997. Hubbard will join new assistants Mike O’Koren and Tom Young on Eddie Jordan’s bench.

“I’m ecstatic to add a quality person like Phil Hubbard to our coaching staff,” Jordan said. “He has great knowledge and understanding of the game, and I’m sure the players will enjoy learning from him.”

Said Hubbard: “I’m very excited about coming to Washington. I’m looking forward to working with Ernie and Eddie and the rest of the Wizards staff.”

Before he began coaching, Hubbard worked with the Knicks for five years as a scout. He also played 10 seasons in the NBA.