Patrick Aloysius Ewing (born August 5, 1962) is a Jamaican-American former NBA center renowned for his time with the New York Knicks and for being one of the era’s defining big men. Patrick Ewing entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 1985 and helped elevate the Knicks to consistent playoff contention.
Early Life and College
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Patrick Ewing moved to the United States to attend Georgetown University, where he starred for coach John Thompson and led the Hoyas to the 1984 NCAA Championship. His college performance made him the clear No. 1 pick in the 1985 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
NBA Debut and 1985 Draft
Patrick Ewing entered the league as the top pick in 1985 and quickly became a cornerstone for the Knicks, bringing elite size, scoring ability in the post, and shot-blocking to an era hungry for interior presence.
Knicks Era: 1985–2000
Over a 15-season span with the Knicks, Patrick Ewing established himself as a franchise anchor and a perennial All-Star, shaping the team’s identity around interior scoring and rim protection.
Finals Appearances: 1994 & 1999
Patrick Ewing led the Knicks to two NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999, underscoring his role in one of the league’s premier rivalries of the era and cementing his status as a postseason centerpiece.
Play Style and Impact
Patrick Ewing combined a polished post game with strong footwork, reliable mid-range shooting, and a commitment to defense. His presence as a top-tier center influenced how teams attacked the paint and how defenses contest interior scoring.
Milestones and Honors
Career milestones for Patrick Ewing include being the No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, 11-time NBA All-Star selections, and Olympic gold in 1984 with Team USA. He later earned induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Hall of Fame and Legacy
As a Hall of Fame inductee, Patrick Ewing’s legacy extends beyond Knicks lore. His combination of longevity, impact on offense and defense, and leadership during his era define why many rank him among the greatest centers of his generation.
Post-Retirement and Georgetown
After retiring, Patrick Ewing moved into coaching and development, eventually becoming the head coach of Georgetown Hoyas in 2017, a role that has connected him to college basketball and player development.
Legacy in 2025 Context
In 2025, Patrick Ewing continues to be discussed in debates about interior dominance, longevity, and the evolution of big men in NBA Basketball, illustrating how a longtime Knick remains a reference point for fans and analysts alike.
Discussion Questions
- Where should Patrick Ewing be ranked among the era’s centers in NBA history?
- How does Patrick Ewing compare to peers like Hakeem Olajuwon or David Robinson in terms of peak vs. longevity?
- Did the Knicks’ era help or hinder Patrick Ewing’s overall legacy?
- What impact does Patrick Ewing have as a coach at Georgetown on his historical standing?
- Which single season or playoff moment best defines Patrick Ewing’s contribution to Basketball?
Call to Action
Share your view on Patrick Ewing’s prime, his Knicks years, and how you think his legacy fits into the ongoing NBA narrative in 2025.