New York Knicks: Should The Knicks Tank The Rest Of The NBA Season?

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Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek talks with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Continuity

Ah, the C word that has plagued the New York Knicks this past decade. Some call it consistency, others continuity. Whichever way you slice it, the Knicks are in dire need of stability.

Since 2001, when Jeff Van Gundy and the Knicks parted ways, New York has been led by 10 head coaches, including Jeff Hornacek.

The longest tenure of those head coaches? Mike D’Antoni, who coached the Knicks for four incomplete seasons from 2008 to 2012.

Since Jackson’s arrival, the Knicks have had three head coaches: Derek Fisher, Kurt Rambis, and Hornacek. Rambis held the interim tag after Fisher was fired mid-season.

Team culture isn’t built over the span of a few months. Hornacek has had control of this team for a little more than half a season, and that isn’t nearly enough time to build consistency.

Jackson took over the Chicago Bulls in 1989-90 and didn’t win his first championship until the following season.

If the Knicks want to build something that will last for more than a season or two, the focus has to be on keeping Hornacek around. More importantly, working through tough times instead of blowing things up after every losing streak.

New coach, new players, new system. Let’s see this thing through. Like they say in Philadelphia, “Trust the process.”

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