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Knicks: Five Reasons New York Will Make The Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jeff Hornacek

In 2015-16, the New York Knicks played at a high enough level on the defensive end to compete. Carmelo Anthony led by example with a newfound motivation on defense, and Joakim Noah will make sure the overall effort doesn’t decline in 2016-17.

One of the main reasons to believe the Knicks will make the playoffs in 2017 is the presence of a coach who can fix the offense.

Hornacek took an injury-plagued and overachieving Phoenix Suns team to 48 wins in 2013-14. In 2014-15, when two of his three best players were traded at the deadline, he still led Phoenix to a 39-43 record.

Say what you will about how his tenure in Phoenix ended, but Hornacek is a gifted head coach who made his name in an overwhelmingly deep Western Conference.

In New York, Hornacek won’t have to coach a team that’s devoid of a No. 1 scoring option. He won’t have to lead the Knicks to overachievement, as the talent is in place for success to be expected.

Hornacek played for Jerry Sloan and Cotton Fitzsimmons, and has a good relationship with Phil Jackson. He’ll be successful.

Next: Natural Progression

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