Michael Jordan urged Patrick Ewing to join the Wizards' coaching staff: "If you like that, we'll let you be a coach"

Patrick Ewing announced his retirement from the NBA in September 2002. This decision led the former All-Star to consider what life would look like after playing ball.

'Big Pat' ultimately decided to pursue coaching and joined the Washington Wizards' staff. However, this move didn't just happen randomly. In fact, it was heavily influenced by Michael Jordan .

In a 2021 interview, Ewing shared the plan MJ laid out for him when he was uncertain about his next steps.

"Why don't you come work for me here with the Wizards? I'll start you off here as a coach. If you like that, we'll let you be a coach. If not, I'll move you to the front office," recounted Patrick, per the NY Post.

Crossing paths in Washington

In January 2000 , the retired Chicago Bulls icon became president of basketball operations and part-owner of the Wizards. However, Michael's responsibilities in those roles were reduced when, in September 2001, he announced his comeback as a player.

A year later, Ewing also joined the Washington franchise. The 1986 ROTY mentioned that coaching wasn't something he'd considered for long; he actually wanted to return to the court like MJ. However, it was evident that the Jamaican's prime was behind him after two disappointing stints with the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic.

Nevertheless, as 'Big Pat' noted , many teams, including his former team, the New York Knicks, were interested in his coaching abilities.

"We sat down and had some great talks. We came to them too late in the process. At that time, they weren't able to offer me anything this year, but next year, they feel they'll be able to put something together," remembered the 11-time All-Star.

Related: Phil Jackson once shared why Larry Bird was a better player than Magic Johnson: "I think I'll probably go with Larry"

Former rivals teamed up

When Ewing joined his new team, the chance to work closely with MJ, even at this later stage of his career, made the transition much smoother.

"It's great, a way for me to stay around the game, a way for me to make my transition easier," the retired 7-footer noted.

It was ironic that two former rivals, who had battled for years, were now collaborating. During their intense Bulls-Knicks matchups, they exchanged plenty of trash talk, with many believing that 'His Airness' was a key reason Patrick never won a ring in his prime. However, they seemed to be united now.

Ewing even joked after his appointment, saying, "I might teach Michael some post-up moves."

In the following 2002-03 campaign, Jordan and Ewing struggled to meet the high expectations set during their remarkable playing days. The Washington team, then coached by Doug Collins, ended the season with a disappointing 37-45 record, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs once again.

Afterward, 'His Airness' announced his retirement for good, while Ewing became an assistant coach with the Rockets.

Related: "He was a little bit more dangerous when he was with the Wizards" - Rasheed Wallace on why Michael Jordan was still lethal late in his career