Knicks to retire Ewing's number

NEW YORK, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The New York Knicks announced Tuesday that they will retire the number 33, worn by Patrick Ewing, on Feb. 28.

The number will be retired in a ceremony at halftime of the game against the Orlando Magic.

Ewing, voted one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history, is the Knicks' all-time leader in points (24,815), rebounds (10,759), blocked shots (2,758), steals (1,061), games played (1,039), field goals (9,260), and free throws (5,26).

"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."

An 11-time All-Star center in 15 years with the Knicks, Ewing turned them into perennial contenders throughout the 1990s, but was never able to deliver a championship for New York.

"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."

Ewing will join 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. Hall of Fame Coach Red Holzman is also represented in the rafters at Madison Square Garden.

At his request, Ewing was traded by the Knicks to Seattle in 2000. He announced his retirement last September after playing sparingly for the Orlando Magic in 2001-02.

Ewing finished with career averages of 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.45 blocks in 1,183 games.