New York Knicks: Free Agent Small Forwards Who Would Fit Jeff Hornacek
Small forward isn’t necessarily a need, but which free agents at the position would fit what Jeff Hornacek is aiming to do with the New York Knicks?
Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks have defied all expectations. Despite the widespread expectations that Jackson would hire interim head coach Kurt Rambis, The Zen Master went outside the box.
Per Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, and many reporters since, the Knicks intend to hire Jeff Hornacek.
On Hornacek-Knicks: It's "as close as humanly possible," per source, tho not official. Deal is expected soon, barring any unforeseen snags.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) May 18, 2016
The fact that Carmelo Anthony and Phoenix Suns executive Mark West have commented on the hiring suggests it’s legitimate.
Speaking of Anthony, he’s very safely locked into the role of starting small forward. A nine-time All-Star with a scoring title and $24.6 million coming his way in 2016-17, Anthony is the player who will field a vast majority of the minutes at small forward.
Depth wasn’t a strength in 2015-16, however, and that makes the pursuit of an ideal backup one worth acknowledging.
In some instances, the players will have a specific skill that makes them appealing to the Knicks. In others, it’s a combination of abilities that’s created the potential for said players to thrive in the role of a sixth man.
The question is, who are the best available—and realistic—small forwards to back Anthony up?
Next: Spacing The Floor