The New York Knicks have announced that the team will retire Patrick Ewing's famous #33 jersey at half time of a Feb. 28 game against the Orlando Magic.

"I am honored to have my jersey retired by this franchise," said Ewing, who is an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards. "I have spent the majority of my career in New York and I will always consider myself a Knick. I will always cherish the memories that I have made in New York."

ESPN.com reports that Ewing will join greats Walt Frazier, Dick Barnett, Earl Monroe, Dick McGuire, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere and Bill Bradley as the only Knick players to have their numbers retired.  Ewing played 15 seasons in New York, coming close to winning an elusive championship on various occasions but just fell short each time.

"Patrick was the symbol of all that was great about New York basketball over a 15-year span that includes two NBA Finals appearances and four division titles," said Knicks general manager Scott Layden. "We feel there is no finer honor to bestow upon him that to have his number take its rightful place in the rafters with other franchise greats."

After forcing a trade to Seattle in 2000 Ewing's production dropped dramatically.  At season's end he was not retained by the Supersonics and signed with the Orlando Magic for part of their mid-level exception, where he played sparingly off the bench - recording his career first DNP-CD (did not play, coaches decision) - then was again told his services were not required.  Rather than play on, Ewing decided to accept an assistant coaching job with nemesis Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards this season and there he remains.

Ewing ended his career with averages of 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.45 blocks per game in 1,183 games played.  Patrick Ewing, we salute you!