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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 9, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks guard Jerian Grant (13) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 106-85. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks guard Jerian Grant (13) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 106-85. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Harvey Grant’s Approval

The selection of Kristaps Porzingis at No. 4 overall is the only decision that most outsiders remember the New York Knicks making at the 2016 NBA Draft. New York executed two trades that evening, however, including one for point guard Jerian Grant.

Grant’s father, 11-year NBA veteran Harvey Grant, took time out to comment on how Jeff Hornacek will help his son.

Don’t be so quick to jump to the conclusion that Grant is merely being a supportive father. He was a successful NBA player, averaging upwards of 18 points per game in three consecutive seasons.

According to Brian Lewis of The New York Post, Harvey Grant believes that coach Hornacek will help Jerian Grant live up to his immense potential.

"“No question,” Grant’s father, Harvey, told The Post. “Jeff played in the league for years, coached in Phoenix. His system was mostly pick-and-roll. Jerian, once he learns the system, he can flourish in that system. And Jeff can tell him the ins and outs of being a guard in this league.”"

Knicks fans are certainly hoping this will prove true.

Grant’s logic is sound. Hornacek, who played for revered coaches Jerry Sloan and Cotton Fitzsimmons, ran a system with the Phoenix Suns that featured multiple ball-handlers and an expected emphasis on the pick-and-roll.

Thus, it stands to reason that Grant, a point guard, will benefit from playing for a head coach who values a point guard’s freedom and creativity.

Grant struggled for most of 2015-16, but broke out during the closing weeks of the season. He scored 14 or more points in five of New York’s final six games, including a season-ending performance during which he tallied 18 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block.

The sample size is small, but the 2015 consensus first-team All-American projects to be an excellent fit for Hornacek’s system.

Next: Familiar Voice

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