Basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing is rejoining the New York Knicks as the franchise’s “basketball ambassador,” the team announced on Friday (October 4).
Ewing, whose No. 33 jersey was retired at Madison Square Garden in 2003, spent his first 15 seasons with the Knicks and ranks first all-time in franchise history in points (23,665), rebounds (10,759), field goals (9,260), free throws (5,126), blocks (2,758), games (1,039) and minutes played (37,586) among numerous other categories.
“As I said the day my number 33 jersey lifted into the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick and I will always be a New Yorker. I can’t wait to get started in this new position and to officially be back with the organization that I love so much,” Ewing said via the Knicks’ official website. “The Garden has always been my home and I’m looking forward to working with Leon Rose, Coach Thibodeau, the team and everyone else that makes this place so special.”