Patrick Ewing accepts new role with Knicks

Dec 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Patrick Ewing on the court before the game against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Ewing is formally returning to the New York Knicks in an off-court ambassadorial role.

The Knicks announced Friday that Ewing is joining the organization in the newly-created role of “basketball ambassador.” Ewing will assist both basketball and business operations in the 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. “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.”

While Ewing will always be strongly associated with the Knicks, he has not had any formal role with the organization since his retirement. He had a lengthy career as an NBA assistant coach, then had a six-year run as head coach at Georgetown before his firing last year.

Ewing’s return to the Knicks in any form will only bolster excitement for next season. The team is viewed as a real contender, bolstered by this week’s blockbuster acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns.