NBA Rumors: New York Knicks Need To Hire Frank Vogel

Mar 31, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel yells from the sidelines against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel yells from the sidelines against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) coach Frank Vogel and forward Paul George (13) walk back to the bench after a skirmish with the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter of game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Toronto 100-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) coach Frank Vogel and forward Paul George (13) walk back to the bench after a skirmish with the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter of game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Toronto 100-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Elite Defense

The staple of Frank Vogel’s tenure with the Indiana Pacers was elite defensive play. No matter who was or wasn’t on the roster, Vogel built a smothering defense by motivating his players and making brilliant adjustments to contain an opponent’s strengths.

The Triangle Offense will be the foundation for the New York Knicks’ success, but it would run significantly smoother if the defense were elite.

Since 2012, Vogel’s first full season with Indiana, the Pacers have ranked no worse than No. 10 in scoring defense. The Pacers cracked the Top 3 in three of those five seasons, including 2014-15, when franchise player Paul George missed 76 games.

In 2015-16, with rim protector Roy Hibbert traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and replaced by a rookie, Indiana was still No. 8 in points allowed per game.

On a deeper level, Indiana was No. 3 in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions in 2015-16. It ranked No. 1 in the NBA in both 2012-13 and 2013-14, which was the last time Vogel had continuity with his roster.

With Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis on the roster, one can’t help but believe Vogel could bring New York to that No. 1 spot, as well.

Next: New York Swagger