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Knicks: Five Biggest Challenges Facing Jeff Hornacek This Season

By Geoffrey Campbell

Jan 15, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek reacts from the sideline as they take not the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns 117-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek reacts from the sideline as they take not the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns 117-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Style of Play

Prior to the hiring of Jeff Hornacek, there was debate about the New York Knicks’ offensive philosophy. After 17 wins in 2014-15 and 32 wins last season, media members, fans, and probably some players were interested in exploring options outside of the triangle offense.

Obviously, in addition to needing more talented players, Phil Jackson also wanted to hire a coach with knowledge of the triangle offense. Some were surprised when Hornacek was hired given his preference for a more fast-paced, pick and roll heavy offense.

However, in 1988, Harvey Araton of The New York Times wrote that Cotton Fitzsimmons was hired by Jerry Colangeo to coach the Phoenix Suns. Fitzsimmons is known as a disciple of Tex Winter, who is considered both the father of the triangle offense and a mentor to Jackson.

Hornacek was a member of that Suns team and is no stranger to the triangle offense. But what does the triangle offense mixed with pick and roll look like? More importantly, does is it fit the current Knicks roster?

BBallbreakdown explains the different options in the triangle offense and how a ball dominant guard like Derrick Rose can have success.

Just insert Rose for Chris Paul.

Basically, the major advantage Rose will have in the triangle as opposed to regular pick and roll at the top of the key is options. In the triangle, Rose will receive screens in multiple areas on the floor with teammates cutting along the baseline, to the foul line, and from the pinch post.

In fact, this video shows that Derrick Rose will have fairly large driving lanes with Anthony or Porzingis rolling to the basket. Another video demonstrates how Hornacek may plan to mesh an up-tempo offense and triangle sets.

Utilizing Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose in dribble handoffs will be key for the offense. Noah’s ability to pass out of the high post will also be beneficial.

Since both Rose and Noah have run elements of the Triangle offense before in Chicago with Tom Thibodeau, this may make the learning curve less steep.

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