The New York Knicks have very high expectations for the 2024-25 season. After earning the No. 2 seed in the East last season, the team made many blockbuster moves offseason. Most notably, the team acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the first time in a long time, a championship is within reach for the Knicks. And, as if things could not be more exciting in New York, one of their all-time greats has officially announced his return to the team. In an official statement, Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing has announced he will return to the Knicks as an ambassador.
“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. “The Garden has always been my home and I’m looking forward to working with Leon Rose, Coach Thibodeau, the team and everyone else that makes this place so special.”
Furthermore, per the statement, Ewing will be “assisting both basketball and business operations.”
New York Knicks Legend Returns to Team in Major Role
Patrick Ewing’s New York Knicks Career
Ewing played for the Knicks from 1985 to 2000 after the team selected him first overall in the draft. In his 15-year Knicks career, Ewing won Rookie of the Year, was an 11-time All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA Team selection, and a three-time All-Defensive Team selection. Additionally, he finished top 10 in MVP voting seven times, finishing as high as fourth two separate times. Ewing was also a member of the 1998-99 Knicks team, the last one to make an NBA Finals appearance.
Though his last two seasons were spent elsewhere (Seattle Supersonics and Orlando Magic), Ewing will always be known as a Knicks player.
The Knicks’ 2024-25 Season Outlook With Patrick Ewing
The Knicks are easily one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season. They are fresh off their best season in years, and their moves this offseason indicate they are making an extra push into title contention. In addition to acquiring Bridges and Towns, the Knicks signed Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet. Both of these veterans are expected to help the team immediately. On the flip side, the Knicks lost Alec Burks to the Miami Heat and Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, the team moved on from Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in their blockbuster deal with the Timberwolves.
Nonetheless, the Knicks remain legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference as we approach the start of the season. They have not made an NBA Finals appearance in over two decades. However, with the team they have assembled, the Knicks have a good chance to end this drought next year.
