In what fans are calling a dream come true and a historic turning point for the franchise, the New York Knicks have officially announced that Patrick Ewing, the Hall of Fame center and beloved icon of New York basketball, is returning to the organization — this time, not as a player or coach, but as a co-owner.
Knicks owner James Dolan, alongside the Dolan family and team executives, confirmed the news at a press conference held at Madison Square Garden earlier today.
🗣️ “Patrick Ewing is the New York Knicks,” said Dolan. “Today, we are not just welcoming him back — we are making him part of our future, permanently.”
👑 Ewing’s Role as Co-Owner
Patrick Ewing joins the Knicks’ ownership group as a minority stakeholder and executive advisor, becoming the first former player in franchise history to hold an ownership stake in the team.
Ewing will be involved in:
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Basketball operations consultation
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Player mentorship and development
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Franchise culture and alumni relations
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Community engagement in NYC and beyond
“This city raised me. This franchise shaped me. And now, I get to help lead it into the future,” Ewing said, fighting back tears. “This isn’t just business — it’s personal.”
🔙 A Legendary Career Revisited
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Knicks Tenure: 1985–2000
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Career Highlights:
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11× All-Star
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NBA Rookie of the Year (1986)
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All-NBA First Team (1990)
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Franchise leader in points, rebounds, and blocks
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No. 33 jersey retired in 2003
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Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2008)
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Ewing led the Knicks to two NBA Finals appearances in the 1990s and became synonymous with the grit, pride, and determination of New York basketball.
Though he previously coached in the NBA and college ranks, including a stint as head coach at Georgetown, Ewing had never held a front office or ownership role with the Knicks — until now.
🏟️ Fan & NBA Reactions
The Garden Faithful were quick to celebrate online and outside MSG:
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🟠 “Patrick Ewing is BACK. Knicks fans, we’re healing.”
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🔵 “This is the best thing James Dolan has ever done.”
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👑 “The KING of New York has returned.”
Across the league, tributes poured in:
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🗣️ Charles Oakley: “Should’ve happened years ago. Proud of you, big fella.”
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🗣️ Magic Johnson: “Incredible news. The Knicks just got a whole lot better.”
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🗣️ Stephen A. Smith: “I almost cried on live television. This means EVERYTHING to Knicks Nation.”
🔮 What This Means for the Knicks
With Giannis Antetokounmpo recently signing with the Knicks and Ewing returning as co-owner, the franchise is clearly signaling a new era of power, pride, and progress.
“This is more than basketball,” said Knicks GM Leon Rose. “It’s about restoring what the Knicks mean to the city — and having Patrick back makes that mission real.”
🏆 THE HEART OF THE KNICKS, BACK WHERE HE BELONGS
Patrick Ewing’s return as a co-owner isn’t just a business move — it’s a symbolic and emotional resurrection of Knicks culture.
After decades of waiting, hoping, and honoring him from the sidelines, New York can now officially say: Patrick Ewing is a Knick again. Forever.
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