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

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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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks talks with Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 31, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Limit Off-Court Drama

This may seem like an unnecessary goal, but with the New York Knicks, that’s far from the case. Unnecessary locker room drama has been as synonymous with the Knicks as lackluster effort on defense and incessant trade rumors.

A year after the off-court drama was more of a story than what transpired on the court, head coach Jeff Hornacek must create a healthier environment in the locker room.

The feud between Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson was both highly publicized and, quite frankly, ugly. It became the top story in New York, as Knicks players and coaches were given a distraction from the highest possible level.

It didn’t help that Anthony is respected by all of his teammates, and Jackson was already viewed as a polarizing figure by the players he signed.

In 2017-18, Hornacek must do everything in his power to ensure that the focus in New York is basketball. Issues will arise, as they do in all locker rooms, but he must be able to control the narrative and keep his players focused.

If Hornacek fails to eliminate the off-court drama that plagued the Knicks in 2016-17, nothing else that he does will mater much in the long-term.

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