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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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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 and Tim Hardaway Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 23, 2015 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 and Tim Hardaway Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 23, 2015 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Convince The Players To Commit To Defense

One could fairly argue that this matters more than anything else that transpires in 2017-18. The New York Knicks were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA during the 2016-17 season, and success will be elusive until that changes.

Every great Knicks team has been built on the foundation of a commitment to defense, and even in the modern era, a different approach will most likely prove fruitless.

Between his playing days and his current status as a coach, Jeff Hornacek is anything but lackadaisical on defense. He was an excellent defender as a player, and preached defensive intensity as head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

New York may not have the most alluring personnel for execution on the defensive end of the floor, but Hornacek has enough talent to achieve a reasonable measure of success.

If Hornacek convinces his players to commit to putting forth a concerted effort on defense, the Knicks should be a relevant team. New York may not defend like the San Antonio Spurs, but it could at least make games competitive and worth watching.

If a commitment to playing hard on defense becomes second nature, it’s then that the Knicks can commit their resources to building an ideal offense.

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