Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Hiring Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek yells to this team during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek yells to this team during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Oct 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek applauds from the sidelines during the game against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Jazz 101-85. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek applauds from the sidelines during the game against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Jazz 101-85. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Balance

Jeff Hornacek was handed a trio of Phoenix Suns teams hindered by youth and the absence of a defensive anchor. Despite those realities, Hornacek had Phoenix looking like a well-oiled machine.

With an emphasis on ball movement and trust, Hornacek proved that his system can work when committed to.

In 2013-14, Phoenix ranked No. 8 in offensive efficiency and No. 13 in defensive efficiency. The latter number is quite impressive considering Phoenix’s defense was, “Anchored,” by the likes of Channing Frye, Markieff Morris, and Miles Plumlee.

One can’t help but feel intrigued by what Hornacek would be able to do with Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis as his starting interior tandem.

Offensively, Hornacek’s emphasis on ball movement and motion suggests he can add a new element to the Knicks’ offense. The Triangle Offense may be the foundation, but that doesn’t mean it’s the exclusively utilized system.

If Hornacek were to convince his players to work without the ball and play competitive team defense, he could get the New York Knicks back to the postseason.

More knicks: Who are the best attainable shooting guards in the 2016 NBA Draft?

He’ll receive that opportunity as the next head coach of the New York Knicks.

Home/Knicks News