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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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Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) slam dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) slam dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Continuing the development of Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis, the runner-up in last season’s Rookie of Year voting, is the most heralded young talent to play for the New York Knicks since Patrick Ewing. Whatever his ceiling is, Jeff Hornacek needs to facilitate Porzingis’ growth.

Specifically, Porzingis will want to improve his efficiency as a shooter. He shot 42.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc in 2015-16.

Those numbers will most likely rise during his second year in the NBA, but Hornacek can also improve these numbers by spacing the floor.

Hornacek has said that he envisions Porzingis in high pick and roll sets, where he can either pop out to shoot the ball or roll to the basket. Additionally, Porzingis will see more time at the center position.

When receiving the ball in the low post, Porzingis possesses a size advantage that enables him to turn, shoot over the defense, or create for other players.

Oftentimes last season, because of a lack of strength and weight, Porzingis was pushed off the low block with ease. This means that Porzingis must get stronger and the team must move faster into their sets.

At 20 years of age, Porzingis is several years away from his prime. Despite other columnists and scouts claiming to know his best position, Porzingis cannot be restricted.

He can play both the 4 and the 5.

Porzingis will need to improve his post defense, but Hornacek must be flexible with his lineups. He needs to give Porzingis experience wherever he is productive.

Porzingis’ skill set is so unique that he became that first rookie in NBA history to accumulate 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made in a single season.

Next: Kristaps Porzingis' best moments with the New York Knicks thus far

As he continues to grow and get stronger, it’s possible that a more defined position will become clear. Until that time, Hornacek needs to let the unicorn run free.

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