Patrick Ewing, a retired Jamaican-American basketball legend, is known for his successful NBA career and coaching journey. With a net worth of $75 million, Ewing’s financial success is attributed to his time on the court, lucrative contracts, and his later coaching endeavors. Throughout his life, Ewing has also made significant contributions to both college basketball and the NBA.
Earnings from Playing Career
Ewing earned $125 million during his NBA career, with much of his wealth coming from large contracts. In 1990, he signed a six-year, $33 million contract with the New York Knicks, making him one of the league’s highest-paid players at that time. Later, in 2000, he joined the Seattle SuperSonics with a four-year, $55 million deal.
Coaching Role at Georgetown
After retiring from playing, Ewing returned to Georgetown University in 2017 as the head coach of the Hoyas basketball team, where he earned $4 million annually. His appointment as head coach followed the tenure of John Thompson III, whose father, John Thompson II, had coached Ewing during his time as a student-athlete at the university.
Early Life and Education
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1962, Patrick Ewing moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the age of 12. It was there that he began playing basketball at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. His rapid improvement led him to become one of the top high school players in the United States by the time he graduated.
Georgetown University Career
Ewing’s college career at Georgetown University was marked by major success and controversy. Although he left Massachusetts to play for the Hoyas, his decision was met with mixed opinions. As a freshman in the 1981-82 season, he made history by being one of the first college freshmen to start on the varsity team. That year, he led the Hoyas to their second Big East Tournament victory and helped secure a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Georgetown advanced to the Final Four that year for the first time since 1943.
During his time at Georgetown, Ewing’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. He guided the team to an NCAA Championship in the 1983-84 season, marking the school’s first-ever title. His final year also saw the team win the Big East tournament once again, cementing his place as one of the most successful college basketball players of all time.
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NBA Career with the New York Knicks
Patrick Ewing entered the NBA through the 1985 draft, where he was selected by the New York Knicks. He signed a 10-year, $32 million contract with the team. Despite dealing with injuries early in his career, Ewing was named NBA Rookie of the Year and made the NBA All-Rookie First Team. In 1993, he led the league in defensive rebounds with 789, and a year later, he helped the Knicks reach the NBA Finals for the first time in two decades.
Throughout his time with the Knicks, Ewing made multiple accomplishments, including setting records for the most blocked shots in a Finals series and in a single game. His career nearly ended in 1997 due to a severe injury, but Ewing managed to recover and continue playing. During his final season with the Knicks, Ewing helped the team reach the Conference Finals, even making a memorable game-winning dunk in a crucial playoff game.
Ewing’s legacy with the Knicks was marked by 11 NBA All-Star appearances, a First Team All-NBA honor, six selections to the All-NBA Second Team, and three NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections. He finished his career in New York with a franchise-record 1,039 games played.
Olympic Achievements
Ewing represented the United States in the Olympics on two occasions. His first Olympic appearance was in 1984 in Los Angeles, where he won a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team. The team, which included other greats such as Michael Jordan and Chris Mullin, dominated the competition with an undefeated record. Ewing’s second Olympic experience came in 1992, when he was part of the legendary “Dream Team.” This squad, the first to include active NBA players, also claimed the gold medal in Barcelona, further solidifying Ewing’s place among basketball’s elite.
Transition to the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic
After leaving the New York Knicks in 2000, Ewing briefly played for the Seattle SuperSonics before moving on to the Orlando Magic. He spent one year with the SuperSonics and another with the Magic before announcing his retirement from professional basketball in 2002.
Coaching Career in the NBA
Following his playing days, Ewing transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant coach. From 2003 to 2006, he worked with the Houston Rockets before moving on to the Orlando Magic, where he was an assistant under head coach Stan Van Gundy. Ewing’s coaching career took another significant step in 2013 when he became an assistant coach and later the interim head coach for the Charlotte Bobcats.
Head Coach at Georgetown
In 2017, Ewing returned to Georgetown University as the head coach of the Hoyas basketball team. His tenure as head coach has been a mixed experience. His first season ended without a postseason berth, but in his second year, the team made significant strides, finishing third in the Big East and earning a bid to the National Invitational Tournament. The team showed further improvement in 2021, as Ewing led the Hoyas to a Big East Conference Tournament championship, defeating both Villanova and Creighton.
Ewing’s personal life includes his previous marriage to Rita Williams from 1990 to 1998 and his three children, one of whom, Patrick Ewing Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps to play in the NBA. Beyond basketball, Ewing has appeared in various media projects. Notably, he played himself in the 1996 movie “Space Jam” and made guest appearances on television sitcoms such as “Spin City,” “Mad About You,” “Webster,” and “Herman’s Head.”
Legacy and Impact
Patrick Ewing’s influence on basketball extends far beyond his playing days. His achievements as both a player and coach have cemented his place as one of the sport’s most influential figures. With his combined earnings and contributions, Ewing remains a major figure in the basketball world. His legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history is secure, while his coaching career is still unfolding, showing promise for the future.
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