Report: Patrick Ewing, Steve Clifford joining Wizards staff

Field Level Media|published: Sat 4th July, 21:46 2026

Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Former New York Knicks player Patrick Ewing is seen prior to game five of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Patrick Ewing is returning to the coaching ranks, joining the Washington Wizards as an assistant to head coach Brian Keefe, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Ewing, 63, had been serving as an ambassador for the New York Knicks, with whom he starred from 1985-2000. His first coaching position came as an assistant with the Wizards in 2002-03 before holding the same role with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets.

Ewing will likely be called upon to share his expertise with veteran stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis while helping 2026 No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa adjust to NBA life. Ewing was also a No. 1 overall pick, in 1985 by the Knicks.

Per the report, former NBA head coach Steve Clifford is also joining the Wizards as a coaching advisor, a role he had held with the Phoenix Suns since August 2025.

For Ewing and Clifford, 64, it's a reunion as the former Knicks legend was on head coach Clifford's staff with the Bobcats/Hornets from 2013-17.

Along with the Bobcats/Hornets (2013-18, 2022-24), Clifford coached the Orlando Magic (2018-21). He was an assistant with the Knicks, Magic, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers before being hired by the Bobcats.

An NCAA champion in 1984 at Georgetown, Ewing returned to his alma mater as its head coach in 2017 and guided the Hoyas to the Big East tournament title at Madison Square Garden in 2021. He was relieved of his duties in 2023.

Ewing, who had his No. 33 jersey retired by the Knicks in 2003, leads the franchise in points, rebounds, blocks, steals and games played, and helped lead New York to the postseason in his final 13 seasons.

--Field Level Media