The Wizards added to their coaching staff over the weekend. The franchise signed Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing on Saturday to be an assistant for coach Brian Keefe, according to multiple reports.
Ewing opened his coaching career as an assistant in Washington for the 2002-03 campaign after his Hall of Fame playing career ended. The 11-time All-Star then spent six seasons coaching Georgetown, his alma mater, until he was replaced in 2023.
Ewing’s collegiate coaching career was largely disappointing. The Hoyas recorded a 75-109 record under Ewing, only qualifying for the NCAA Tournament once.
He’ll help develop an evolving Wizards roster that features 10-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis, No. 1 pick A.J. Dybantsa and 2024 No. 2 pick Alex Sarr.
Ewing is likely familiar with the expectations facing rising stars Dybantsa and Sarr. The Georgetown product was lauded as the savior of a franchise when the New York Knicks selected him with the top pick in 1985. He led New York to 13 consecutive playoff appearances to end his run with the Knicks.
Ewing isn’t the only addition to Keefe’s bench. The Wizards also plan to add longtime NBA coach Steve Clifford in an advisory role.
Clifford has spent most of the last 25 years on NBA sidelines, including stints as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic. The 64-year-old worked with Ewing for five seasons in Charlotte and spent last season as an advisor with the Phoenix Suns.
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