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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 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and guard Brandon Jennings (3) react to a call after Rose is charged with a foul during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and guard Brandon Jennings (3) react to a call after Rose is charged with a foul during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Ball Movement

Jeff Hornacek hasn’t received enough credit for how brilliant of a job he’s done in developing talent. Whether it’s a young player or a veteran, Hornacek has found ways to make life easier for his players while simultaneously challenging them to excel in areas outside of their comfort zone.

The key to his doing so is the way he’s reminded New York Knicks fans and players of what a motion offense looks like.

The Knicks are still falling victim to isolation tendencies during the fourth quarter of games, but the flashes have been brilliant. The Knicks are sacrificing good looks for great looks and embracing what ball movement does to an opposing defense.

Opponents are chasing the ball around the floor, which has created scoring opportunities for perimeter players and big men.

The Knicks need to convert open shots with more consistency and avoid Melo-ball in the fourth quarter, but the progress has been tremendous. Compared to a season ago, when the Knicks barely moved the ball, the 2016-17 squad looks like the San Antonio Spurs.

If the players continue to buy into Hornacek’s practices and system, the offense should run like a well-oiled machine by season’s end.

Must Read: The Knicks' 2016-17 Quarter-Mark Award Winners

Having reached the quarter-mark of the 2016-17 NBA regular season, Hornacek is already making intriguing progress as head coach of the 11-9 Knicks.

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