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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Michael Beasley signing

By Maxwell Ogden

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 16: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 108-107. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 16: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 108-107. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

1. Jeff Hornacek

Prior to becoming the head coach of the New York Knicks, Jeff Hornacek held the same position with the Phoenix Suns. During that time, Hornacek displayed an uncanny ability to get players to play above and beyond their past capabilities.

No player is a better example of that being true than Gerald Green—a player to whom Michael Beasley compares somewhat favorably.

Much like Green, Beasley is a physically imposing player with the build and athleticism to make an impact on the game. Also like Green, he has raw and unrefined scoring abilities that he’s been unable to utilize to create a sustainable career.

The ideal scenario would be for Beasley to take the next step in mirroring Green by experiencing a career rejuvenation under Hornacek’s watch.

Between 2005 and 2013, Green averaged 8.0 points per game on a slash line of .418/.351/.799—in the NBA. He also spent time playing in Russia, China, and the D-League. In two seasons with Hornacek, however, he averaged 14.0 points per game on a slash line of .433/.380/.840.

There’s no possible way to guarantee that Beasley will emulate Green’s success, but if any coach can help him do so, it’s Hornacek.

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