Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Five Reasons To Like The Jeff Hornacek Hiring

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 31, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek reacts to a call against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek reacts to a call against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next

1. Offensive Versatility

If there’s one thing that Jeff Hornacek’s tenure with the Phoenix Suns established, it’s that he’s a dynamic strategist on the offensive end of the floor. He utilizes multiple ball-handlers, puts his players in constant motion, and encourages constant ball movement.

According to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, Phil Jackson is open to having an offense that includes Triangle Offense principles, but doesn’t revolve around said system.

"League sources indicate that the Knicks under Hornacek will indeed move away from a pure triangle approach, but will retain triangle elements (as many NBA offenses do). “He wants a system of play,” one source said of Jackson, “so that when he walks away, when you look at the New York Knicks, you say, ‘OK, I understand how the Knicks play basketball.'”"

That versatility could be the key to the Knicks returning to the postseason.

Hornacek runs an offense that’s built around constant ball movement and trust between teammates. The Knicks did something of the sort in 2015-16, but the high number of passes rarely led to scoring opportunities.

New York ranked No. 2 in the NBA in passes per game, but just No. 18 in potential assists—a measurement of passes that could’ve been assists.

Under Hornacek, the Knicks will run an offense that balances efficiency in the half court with proficiency in transition. He won’t necessary run an up-tempo offense, but will trust his playmakers to maintain a steady flow of quality looks for theirselves and their teammates.

The Triangle Offense will still play a factor, but Hornacek’s half court offense is much better for Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis than critics are letting on.

Next: No. 2

Home/Knicks News