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Patrick Ewing Joins Wizards as Assistant Under Keefe

7/5/2026

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Summary

Ewing Joins Wizards

Patrick Ewing has agreed to join the Washington Wizards as an assistant coach under head coach Brian Keefe.
He will work with veterans Anthony Davis and Trae Young and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa.
Steve Clifford will serve as a coaching advisor for the Wizards.
Ewing previously assisted the Wizards (2002-03) and other NBA teams before coaching Georgetown (2017-2023).

Summary

Ewing Hired

The Washington Wizards hired 62-year-old Patrick Ewing as an assistant coach, bringing over a decade of NBA assistant experience.
The same right-leaning report floated a trade sending Lakers center Deandre Ayton to Washington for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks, implying a broader roster overhaul.
The Wizards view Ewing’s hiring as a step toward a “next era” for their young core.

History

Historical Context

Patrick Ewing first joined the Washington Wizards as an assistant in the 2002-03 season, when Doug Collins led a 37-45 squad—the franchise’s best win total since 1999. His 2024 return under head coach Brian Keefe echoes that earlier reliance on former players, a strategy the Wizards have used repeatedly since Michael Jordan’s 2001-02 comeback.

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Ewing Joins Wizards

Patrick Ewing has agreed to join the Washington Wizards as an assistant coach under head coach Brian Keefe.
He will work with veterans Anthony Davis and Trae Young and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa.
Steve Clifford will serve as a coaching advisor for the Wizards.
Ewing previously assisted the Wizards (2002-03) and other NBA teams before coaching Georgetown (2017-2023).

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