The Washington Wizards are adding one of basketball’s most recognizable Hall of Fame figures to their bench. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Georgetown and New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing has agreed to become an assistant coach under head coach Brian Keefe, marking his return to an NBA coaching staff after spending recent years as a Knicks ambassador.
Charania also reported that veteran NBA coach Steve Clifford will join Washington as a coaching advisor. The hires reunite Ewing and Clifford, who previously worked together with the Orlando Magic from 2007-12 before rejoining forces in Charlotte, where Ewing served as one of Clifford’s assistants from 2013-17.
Ewing brings nearly two decades of NBA coaching experience despite being best known for his Hall of Fame playing career. Before becoming Georgetown’s head coach from 2017-23, Ewing served as an assistant with the Wizards, Rockets, Magic and Hornets, working alongside respected coaches including Jeff Van Gundy, Stan Van Gundy and Clifford. His return to Washington gives Keefe an experienced voice with an extensive background developing frontcourt players.
The timing of Ewing’s arrival is notable given the Wizards’ evolving roster. Washington finished 17-65 in the 2025-26 season, the worst record in the Eastern Conference, but the organization has aggressively reshaped its roster in pursuit of contention.
The franchise won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery and selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick after previously drafting Alex Sarr second overall in 2025. The Wizards have also added established stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis during the 2025-26 season while recently acquiring Deandre Ayton to bolster their frontcourt.
Ewing’s expertise could prove especially valuable for Washington’s collection of big men. Sarr averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks while shooting 48.2% from the field across 48 games last season.
Davis and Ayton now join Sarr to give Washington one of the NBA’s deepest frontcourts on paper. Ewing, one of the greatest centers in league history, has built a reputation as a mentor for post players throughout his coaching career, making him a logical addition as the Wizards look to maximize the development of their interior talent.
Clifford’s arrival adds another experienced voice to Keefe’s staff. The longtime head coach has served in advisory roles with both the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets in recent years and shares a long-standing professional relationship with Ewing dating back nearly two decades.
