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New York Knicks: Pros And Cons Of Jeff Hornacek’s Tenure Thus Far

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek directs his team during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek directs his team during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek talks to his players during a timeout against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek talks to his players during a timeout against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Trusting The Reserves

Jeff Hornacek appears to have an understanding of how important it will be for the New York Knicks to develop a strong bench. Even if the Knicks manage to remain healthy the rest of the way, they don’t have the type of starters who can play 40 minutes per game.

The second unit needs to be able to maintain a lead and Hornacek is preparing them to do so by playing the reserves alongside the stars in key moments.

Hornacek has given the likes of Willy Hernangomez, Justin Holiday, Brandon Jennings, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, and Kyle O’Quinn big minutes in the fourth quarter. All five have closed out games at one point or another and all five have made key clutch contributions.

If that becomes the Knicks’ go-to bench lineup, then the late-game experience gained alongside the starters should help any and every player.

Hernangomez and O’Quinn have gained invaluable playing time with Noah injured, but they’ve often received the nod in clutch situations when he was healthy. Holiday and Kuzminskas have done the same with Courtney Lee, while Jennings has occasionally replaced or played alongside Derrick Rose.

Hornacek trusting the reserves may not help the Knicks as much in the short-term, but it could prove to be a rewarding experience further down the line.

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