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New York Knicks: The Buzz Surrounding Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

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 /
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Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Mind of ‘Melo

The future may be built around Kristaps Porzingis, but the present day burden rests on the shoulders of Carmelo Anthony. The $124 million man has the biggest contract, role, and reputation of any player on the New York Knicks.

Thus, the Knicks community was rationally eager to hear what Anthony had to say about the decision to hire Jeff Hornacek.

On paper, it stands to reason that Anthony would like the Hornacek hiring due to the coach’s versatile approach to creating offense. Anthony wasn’t involved in the decision to hire Hornacek, however, and that created cause for concern.

During an appearance on WNBC, Anthony commented on the Hornacek hiring and expressed an excitement about playing in an up-tempo offense (h/t Marc Berman of The New York Post).

"“I played against him a couple of times when he was the head coach out there in Phoenix,” Anthony said. “Everybody knows he likes to play an up-tempo pace of game, likes to get out in transition, likes to speed the game up a lot. So from that standpoint, I’ll definitely be looking forward to that.” “It sets the stage for us to do that,” Anthony said of a quicker pace. “[It’s a] new opportunity, something new to play with, something fresh, a clean plate. So hopefully we can build off of this momentum.”"

That’s a positive sign for the future of the Knicks.

Hornacek runs an offense that relies on the creativity of its playmakers, as well as his team’s proficiency from 3-point range. Anthony should benefit in both regards as he sees less isolation possessions, and more catch-and-shoot opportunities.

In turn, Anthony should see an uptick in both scoring volume and efficiency in 2016-17.

One could sense a hint of frustration in Anthony’s tone due to the fact that he wasn’t included in the decision. He does seem optimistic about the hire, however, and seems to have some undertones of, “At least it’s not Kurt Rambis.”

Securing Anthony’s seal of approval is already a great start to Hornacek’s tenure.

Next: Former Star Teammate

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