The Ewing name remains synonymous with basketball greatness, but while most fans are familiar with Patrick Ewing’s legendary career with the New York Knicks, fewer might be aware of the strides his son, Patrick Ewing Jr., has been making in the basketball world. As the elder Ewing recently rejoined the Knicks organization as an ambassador, focusing on both basketball and business operations, his son has been quietly forging his own path in the sport, albeit in a different direction from the NBA spotlight.
After a storied career that saw his No. 33 jersey lifted into the rafters of Madison Square Garden, Patrick Ewing is back with the Knicks in a significant role. “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 in this new position and to officially be back with the organization that I love so much,” Ewing said in a statement. His return marks a special homecoming to the franchise where he spent almost his entire playing career, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a legacy deeply ingrained in Knicks history.
But what about Patrick Ewing Jr.? Is he following in his father’s NBA footsteps? While Ewing Jr. never managed to establish a long-term career in the NBA, his journey in basketball has been no less committed. After showing promise in the NBA Development League (now known as the G-League), where he earned a D-League All-Star appearance in 2011, his NBA career didn’t take off like his father’s. He played just seven NBA games, all with the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), and had a brief stint with the Knicks, playing three preseason games before being waived in 2008.
However, his love for basketball led him to overseas opportunities, where he made a mark in leagues across Germany, Spain, Greece, and Qatar. Despite the ups and downs of his playing career, Ewing Jr. never left the game and transitioned into coaching, finding his niche in the basketball world.
Today, Patrick Ewing Jr. is embracing his next chapter as the newly appointed head coach of the NBL1 North’s South West Metro Pirates, set to lead the team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. It’s a role that suits him well, especially since he’s no stranger to the organization, having already served as their lead assistant coach last season. “We are excited to welcome Patrick Ewing Jr. as our head coach… His extensive playing background, combined with his coaching experience, makes him the perfect fit for our organization,” Pirates CEO Chris Angus said. The Pirates are banking on Ewing Jr.’s passion and knowledge of the game to bring success to the team, and his journey so far suggests he’s more than ready for the challenge.
Ewing Jr.’s coaching career doesn’t stop with the Pirates. In 2021, he stepped into the role of lead assistant coach for the Ottawa BlackJacks in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), quickly making an impact from the sidelines. His impressive work with the BlackJacks led to an even bigger opportunity the following year, as he was named the inaugural General Manager and Head Coach of the Newfoundland Growlers in 2022. Ewing Jr.’s leadership helped the Growlers notch key wins, and his reputation as a basketball mind continued to grow.
Steve Konchalski, the Senior Advisor of Basketball Operations for the Growlers, praised Ewing Jr., saying, “He brings a unique skill set to his position,” pointing to the advantage of being raised around the highest levels of basketball. Ewing Jr.’s work with the Growlers was marked by a successful stretch, with six wins in the team’s last 10 games. His performance caught the attention of his former team, the Ottawa BlackJacks, who brought him back—this time as their Senior Director of Player Personnel.
While his father’s name is etched in the annals of NBA history, Patrick Ewing Jr. has built a career that reflects his own commitment to the game, even if it hasn’t taken him to the NBA’s biggest stages. From his playing days overseas to his steady climb in the coaching ranks, Ewing Jr. has stayed true to his basketball roots, much like his father did during his playing days. His current roles in the NBL1 North and the CEBL highlight his ability to adapt, lead, and influence a new generation of players.
For basketball fans following both father and son, the Ewing legacy continues to evolve. While Patrick Ewing Sr. will be a central figure in helping the Knicks off the court, his son is proving that the name Ewing is still relevant on the sidelines, guiding teams to success and bringing a wealth of basketball knowledge to every position he holds.
As for the future, there’s little doubt that both Ewings will continue to shape the basketball landscape in their own ways. Whether it’s through Patrick Sr.’s ambassador role with the Knicks or Patrick Jr.’s growing influence in coaching, the Ewings’ story is far from over—showing that the love and dedication to the game runs deep in the family.
