After his success at Georgetown, Ewing was the top pick in the 1985 NBA draft, selected by the New York Knicks. Over the course of his 17-year career, Ewing played for the Knicks, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Orlando Magic. He was a 11-time NBA All-Star, a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Ewing’s excellence on the court was not only evident in his individual honors, but also in how he revolutionized the center position in the NBA. Known for his strength and size, Ewing was an excellent rebounder, shot blocker, and scorer. He averaged 21 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in his career. Ewing is also one of only four players in NBA history to have recorded 24,000 points, 11,000 rebounds, and 2,000 blocks in their career.
Despite his individual success, Ewing was never able to win an NBA championship. He came close in 1994 when the Knicks made it to the NBA Finals, but lost to the Houston Rockets in seven games. Nonetheless, Ewing’s impact on the game of basketball cannot be understated. He was a true ambassador of the sport and a role model for many basketball players around the world.
In addition to his basketball career, Ewing has also found success as a coach. He began his coaching career with the Washington Wizards, serving as an assistant coach from 2002-2003. He then moved on to the Houston Rockets, where he spent three seasons as an assistant coach. In 2017, Ewing was hired as the head coach of his alma mater, Georgetown University, where he has been working to revitalize the basketball program.
Off the court, Ewing is also known for his philanthropic work. In 1995, he founded the Patrick Ewing Foundation, which is dedicated to helping children and families in need. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for various charitable causes, including education, juvenile diabetes research, and cancer research.
In conclusion, Patrick Ewing is one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. His impact on the game cannot be understated, as he revolutionized the center position and was a role model for many players around the world. Despite never winning an NBA championship, Ewing’s legacy will always be remembered as one of excellence and hard work. His success on and off the court is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport of basketball and to helping others in need.