Patrick Ewing Returns 'Home'

Although Carmelo Anthony, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle represent the recent stars, Patrick Ewing shined bright from 1985 to 2000 with the New York Knicks. Ewing, one of the greatest players ever to have worn the blue-and-orange jerseys, returned triumphantly to the franchise he helped build. However, instead of bouncing a ball, he'll represent the franchise with his smile and past experiences.

The Knicks announced Ewing as the newly appointed "basketball ambassador assisting both on-court and business operations."

Following the past two successful seasons, the Knicks are as popular locally and nationally as they've been since the early 2010s. Hiring Ewing as an ambassador for the brand is a savvy business and PR move. Considering his on-court success and his general approval rating from the Knicks' fan base, it's sensible to put him in a front-facing position.

“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 officially be back with the organization that I love so much,” Ewing said, expressing his excitement for the position.

The Knicks' goodwill, in large part due to Brunson and Leon Rose, who's vastly improved the roster from the past regime, played a part in Ewing's interest in reuniting with the franchise.

Related: Jalen Brunson's Guitar to KAT's Amplifier?

New York seeks further playoff success, as they haven't clinched the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. Perhaps hiring Ewing will lead to such a fortune, or even a couple of NBA Finals, as he experienced in his playing career for the legendary franchise.