Daily Knicks
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knocks blocks an attempt from Nick Young of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11, 2016 during their NBA match in Los Angeles, California. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knocks blocks an attempt from Nick Young of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11, 2016 during their NBA match in Los Angeles, California. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) /

3. Keep KP In The Paint On Defense

Kristaps Porzingis has an alluring ability to make a defensive impact in a versatile manner. Not only is he already an outstanding shot-blocker, but he has the mobility to flex out to the perimeter and defend stretch 4s.

Appealing as that may be, head coach Jeff Hornacek should make it a point for Porzingis to be stationed in the paint on defense in 2017-18.

Versatility can be a beautiful thing, but Porzingis is a 7’3″ charter bus of a rim protector. While it may be impressive to watch him defending the perimeter and running back down to the paint to block a shot, it’s also what every opponent wants him to do.

If the Knicks’ best rim protector is away from the paint on defense, then the opposition has successfully spaced the floor—and it’s on Hornacek to fix that flaw.

The New York Knicks don’t have the most explosive of athletes at center, but Hornacek must design a scheme that accounts for this need. Porzingis’ presence in the paint is far more valuable than having his hand in the face of a stretch 4.

Three may be more than two, but the Knicks ranked No. 24 in the NBA in points allowed in the paint per game—a product of Porzingis not spending nearly enough time down low.

Home/Knicks News