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New York Knicks: 5 realistic goals for Jeff Hornacek in 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 23: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks signals to his players during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 119-104. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 23: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks signals to his players during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 119-104. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 23: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks signals to his players during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 119-104. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 23: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks signals to his players during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 119-104. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Jeff Hornacek has outlasted former team president Phil Jackson with the New York Knicks. What can the head coach do to justify his return in 2017-18?

With all eyes on Kurt Rambis, former New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson made a shocking decision during the 2016 NBA offseason. Rather than hiring the fans’ feared favorite, he named Jeff Hornacek to be the Knicks’ 28th head coach.

While Jackson may be out as team president, Hornacek will have a rare opportunity to prove himself to a new front office regime.

Hornacek is one of the most respected individuals in the NBA, due in large part to his successful playing career. He made the All-Star Game in 1992, reached two NBA Finals with the Utah Jazz, and led the Phoenix Suns to two Conference Finals appearances.

As a coach, Hornacek led an overachieving Suns team to 48 wins in 2013-14, and had his team on pace for the playoffs before the front office blew the team up in 2014-15.

Hornacek’s first season in New York was disappointing, but most are forgiving of his 31-51 record due to the extenuating circumstances. The working theory is that he was undermined by Jackson and overpowered by the off-court drama.

As Jeff Hornacek prepares for his second season as head coach of the New York Knicks, what should he realistically aspire to do in 2017-18?

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