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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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Dec 19, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Retired NBA and California Golden Bears basketball player, Mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson with his wife, educator and activist Michelle Rhee before the game between the California Golden Bears and the Coppin State Eagles at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Retired NBA and California Golden Bears basketball player, Mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson with his wife, educator and activist Michelle Rhee before the game between the California Golden Bears and the Coppin State Eagles at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Ex-Teammate: Kevin Johnson

One of the most interesting developments of the Jeff Hornacek hire is the revelation of how respected he is across the NBA. Since the report was released, ex-teammates and opponents have praised Hornacek’s basketball IQ and character at great length.

That includes the player with whom he shared a backcourt from 1988 to 1992: Kevin Johnson.

Hornacek and Johnson were the starting guards for the Phoenix Suns in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The duo reinvigorated the organization, leading Phoenix to four straight 50-wins seasons and a pair of Western Conference Finals appearances.

Per Marc Berman of The New York Post, Johnson believes that he saw enough out of Hornacek to comfortably peg him as the right coach for the New York Knicks.

"“Jeff is someone who understands what it means to play on the biggest stage in New York but won’t be fazed by the bright lights and the pressure of the biggest media market,” Johnson told The Post. “There is nothing bigger than the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan, and Jeff played a key role in those series twice. That experience is invaluable for this job.” “It doesn’t surprise me at all,’’ he said. “Phil got to see Jeff firsthand in those tough-fought finals in 1997 and ’98. They are two guys who appreciate and understand basketball is like a chess match. When I heard that Phil hired Jeff, it made perfect sense to me.”"

Thick skin, a high basketball IQ, and an endearing personality—the prototypical combination for an NBA head coach.

Johnson is no stranger to success in the NBA. He helped the Suns make the NBA Finals in 1993, and worked alongside Hornacek to help Phoenix reach the 1989 and 1990 Western Conference Finals.

Individually, Johnson made five All-NBA appearances and won the 1989 Most Improved Player award.

Hornacek, meanwhile, made the 1992 All-Star Game and won the Three-Point Shootout in 1999 and 2000. He alternated between the 1 and the 2, effectively setting the stage for the modern NBA point guard.

Hornacek’s knowledge of how to be a successful guard in the NBA has the following former player excited.

Next: A Father's Approval

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