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New York Knicks: Key Elements of Jeff Hornacek’s Offense

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek is shown with players during a time out in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek is shown with players during a time out in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tony Wroten should thrive in running the pick-and-roll under head coach Jeff Hornacek. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Wroten should thrive in running the pick-and-roll under head coach Jeff Hornacek. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick & Roll

Jeff Hornacek’s offensive system with the Phoenix Suns was masterful in its use of the pick-and-roll. It didn’t live or die by the play, but a critical aspect of the offense was the utilization of high screens and multiple ball-handlers.

The New York Knicks plan to utilize an offense that balances Hornacek’s attack with aspects of the Triangle Offense, and the pick-and-roll is the perfect infrastructure.

Hornacek played for legendary head coach Jerry Sloan from 1994 to 2000. John Stockton and Karl Malone are the most iconic pick-and-roll duo in NBA history, but Hornacek’s presence played a significant role in Utah’s back-to-back Finals appearances.

Hornacek, the shooting guard, was just as capable of handling the ball and running the patented play.

Phoenix followed suit, utilizing multiple ball-handlers to execute an offense that utilized the pick-and-roll in a number of different ways. It wasn’t just a high screen and a dive, but a diverse set of plays that highlighted the strengths of both the perimeter and interior players.

In New York, the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Jerian Grant, Robin Lopez, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tony Wroten all project to thrive in this capacity.

Next: The Understated Aspect

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