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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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February 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek (right) instructs guard Goran Dragic (1) during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek (right) instructs guard Goran Dragic (1) during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5a. Important Connections, Part I

The key to being a successful head coach in the relentless city of New York is having thick skin. The second step is to build a strong enough relationship with both the players and the front office to withstand the inevitable release of fraudulent reports about a dissension.

If there’s one thing that Hornacek is, it’s a leader who commands respect. Per Matt Moore of CBS Sports, Goran Dragic said as much in the face of adversity.

"“We’re a really young team,” point guard Goran Dragic told CBSSports.com recently. “Nobody expects us to play fundamental basketball, sharing the ball all the time. The best thing is all the players have a great relationship with the coaching staff. We really believe in Jeff. Jeff is unbelievable, he played in this league for many years and was one of the best shooting guards. He knows how to play this game.”"

For critical perspective, Dragic made those comments around the same time that he requested a trade—a request made after Phoenix signed two players at his position during his contract year.

In other words, Dragic wanted out of Phoenix, was furious at the organization, and still sang the praises of his head coach.

For the Knicks, having a coach who can build a relationship with the players is of the utmost importance. Carmelo Anthony is the franchise player, and Robin Lopez is a coachable veteran, but much of the roster is consumed by young players.

Hornacek’s ability to connect with players such as Kristaps Porzingis, Jerian Grant, and Tony Wroten could be the difference between New York making and missing the playoffs.

Next: No. 5b

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