It seems like the New York Knicks just can’t stop making headlines this offseason. After the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, they recently announced that Patrick Ewing, one of the most iconic figures in Knicks history, is returning as the Knicks’ “basketball ambassador,” a role that’s sure to stir up excitement around Madison Square Garden. Ewing’s return to the Garden is a full-circle moment, 24 years in the making.

The Knicks revealed that his new position would involve both basketball and business operations, which points to a broader role than just being a symbolic figurehead. Back in his playing days, Ewing was the “franchise-saving” player and endured immense pressure from the New York media. Now, with the Knicks on an upswing in recent seasons, and with his return, the team is looking to bring some of that Ewing magic back into the fold.

Patrick Ewing’s new role

It was just last year that Ewing stepped down as the head coach at Georgetown University, his alma mater, after several seasons. And ultimately that help him to get this opportunity. Reflecting on his new role with the Knicks, Ewing expressed his deep-rooted connection to the team and the city. “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… The Garden has always been my home,” he said as per AP News.

According to ESPN’s Chris Herring, Ewing will be working closely with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and team president Leon Rose. Rose shared his enthusiasm in the team’s statement, calling Ewing a “monumental figure” and highlighting his unmatched knowledge from years on and off the court.

The Knicks legend will be heavily involved with the team’s top centers, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. Interestingly, Ewing’s vast experience as a dominant two-way player makes him a perfect mentor for KAT, who is adjusting to the immense pressure of being a star in New York’s intense sports market. With Ewing’s guidance, Towns has the chance to elevate his game to the next level.

As the Knicks have already made significant moves this offseason, adding Ewing’s basketball expertise to the mix can only be a positive. The franchise is serious about competing for a championship and having one of their all-time greats on board might just be the final piece they need.

A legend of the game

Drafted first overall in 1985, Ewing’s career spanned 15 remarkable seasons with the Knicks, where he became a staple of the franchise. The Georgetown alum made 11 All-Star appearances in that iconic blue and orange, and his No. 33 jersey now hangs proudly in Madison Square Garden’s rafters. But it wasn’t just his All-Star nods—Ewing also secured seven All-NBA selections, the 1985-86 Rookie of the Year Award, and took the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999, their last Finals appearance to this day.

On the stat sheet, Ewing was equally dominant as in 1,039 games with the Knicks, he averaged an impressive 22.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage just over 50%. He also sits at the top of nearly every major Knicks record, including points (23,665), rebounds (10,759), and blocks (2,758).

Though Ewing never brought home a championship, his leadership took the Knicks to the Finals twice, a feat the franchise hasn’t achieved since his retirement. His impact on the game transcended trophies, making him one of the most respected figures in basketball.

As a nominee for the NBA’s anniversary teams in both 1996 and 2021, he’s still intertwined with the team’s legacy. Now, with his return to the Knicks front office, perhaps Ewing will finally get the chance to bring that elusive championship back to New York.