New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek wants his players to find motivation in the success of their rivals. Find out his plan for opening night.
The New York Knicks will receive an early form of motivation on Tuesday, October 25. New York’s 2016-17 regular season opener will be played at Quicken Loans Arena against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Prior to the opening tip, the defending NBA champion Cavaliers will get their championship rings.
A rings ceremony is an emotional moment—both for the defending champions and the team visiting their venue. In the case of the Knicks, this could either irritate them or result in an even stronger desire to achieve greatness.
According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, head coach Jeff Hornacek wants the Knicks to watch the Cavaliers celebrate winning the 2016 NBA championship.
"“A couple of things: inspired or ticks you off that you’re not doing it,” Hornacek said. “I always felt it was good to have your guys watch it. If you lose in the playoffs, watch the other team celebrate, because that gets you ready for the next year and hopefully spurs you on to work harder and see what it takes to get to that level.”"
For players who aren’t mentally fragile, that could be the ultimate motivation.
The Knicks have a roster that’s flush with veteran players who are hungry to win their first career NBA championship. Courtney Lee helped the Orlando Magic reach the 2009 NBA Finals, and Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah led the Chicago Bulls to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals.
Carmelo Anthony took the Denver Nuggets to the 2009 Western Conference Finals, as well.
The common themes with all four of those players: none have won an NBA championship and all will start for the Knicks in 2016-17. The Knicks also have a starter turned sixth man in Brandon Jennings and a rising star in Kristaps Porzingis.
Key reserve Lance Thomas even took a hometown discount so his Knicks legacy could be that of a winner.
Beyond the players is a fan base that’s been loyal to the Knicks through even the worst of times. Despite the fact that New York hasn’t won a title since 1973, Madison Square Garden is routinely overrun with rabid supporters.
Hornacek is pulling no punches in his attempt to ensure that his team is motivated in 2016-17.
"Hornacek said he likes to splice up video of teams enjoying success and will show them to the players for motivation.“All those things kind of get into your head — that’s our ultimate goal,” he said. “Everybody wants to do it at the beginning of the year. There’s only one team that can do it. Why not you?”"
“Why not us?” is the perfect mentality for this Knicks team.
New York has invaluable leadership. Coach Hornacek made two NBA Finals appearances as a player with the Utah Jazz, Lee made the 2009 NBA Finals with the Magic, Justin Holiday won it all with the Golden State Warriors in 2015, and Sasha Vujacic is a two-time NBA champion.
If that isn’t enough to get through trying times, then New York can turn to team president Phil Jackson, who won 11 NBA championships as a coach and two as a player for the Knicks.
Of course, wanting to win a championship and actually doing so are entirely different topics of conversation. Having said that, the Knicks have the talent to make noise in the Eastern Conference.
Team chemistry may take time to build, but what’s already in place is the support of a city that’s hungry for success.
Must Read: Five keys to defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers
If the season opener doesn’t provide motivation, then what can?