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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 /
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Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 – 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 – 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Phil Jackson’s Open-Mindedness

There was no conclusive evidence that Phil Jackson was stuck in his ways. Yet, writers spread negative stories about The Zen Master, and somehow managed to get their readers to embrace it as fact.

If the hiring of Jeff Hornacek proves anything, it’s that Jackson is open-minded—and that’s a very good thing for the future of the New York Knicks.

Despite the persistent rumors that Jackson would hire Kurt Rambis, The Zen Master followed a different path. Stories conveniently emerged with implications that, “James Dolan didn’t let Jackson hire Rambis,” but only from those who’d previously pessimistically reported Rambis’ leading candidacy.

Dolan isn’t exactly a basketball savant, and the timing of such reports scream, “I need to be somewhat right,” but the reality is as it is.

The reality of this situation is that Jackson has invested in a coach who doesn’t check the boxes of a Triangle Offense disciple. Instead, he’s a more modern coach in the manner he utilizes point guards and pushes the tempo.

Jackson’s open-mindedness implies the summer of 2016 will be an unpredictable time for the Knicks.

Next: No. 5a

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