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New York Knicks: Busting Myths About Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

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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Jan 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts to a foul call against the Washington Wizards during the second half at the United Center. The Wizards defeat the Bulls 114-100. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts to a foul call against the Washington Wizards during the second half at the United Center. The Wizards defeat the Bulls 114-100. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Myth, Part II: He Only Coaches Offense

Many New York Knicks fans were disappointed with certain aspects of the coaching search. When news broke that both Tom Thibodeau and Frank Vogel were interested in the position, thoughts of the 1990s immediately prevailed.

Though Jeff Hornacek isn’t quite on Thibodeau or Vogel’s respective levels as a defensive coach, there isn’t much evidence to support the belief that he can’t be.

In 2013-14, the Phoenix Suns ranked No. 13 in points allowed per 100 possessions and No. 14 in opponent field goal percentage. In 2014-15, Phoenix was No. 17 in points allowed per 100 possessions and No. 18 in opponent field goal percentage.

Those aren’t elite rankings, no, but the context is that Phoenix was a young and inexperienced team without an interior anchor that overachieved defensively.

In New York, Hornacek will have two players who can anchor the defensive interior: Joakim Noah and Kristaps Porzingis. Noah was the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year and Porzingis was No. 16 in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage at the rim as a rookie.

Hornacek’s claim to fame may be the Suns’ offensive execution, but he pushes his players defensively. That brings us to No. 2.

Next: The Gerald Green Situation

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