New York Knicks: Elements of triangle offense present in Jeff Hornacek’s system
The New York Knicks are still using elements of the triangle offense. The difference in 2017-18 appears to be a more responsible use of the system.
Throughout Phil Jackson’s tenure as team president, the truth was often found somewhere in between his supporters and his detractors. That was no more true than when New York Knicks fans and analysts spoke or wrote about the triangle offense.
While some purely opposed the system, others propped it up and praised it as the potential savior of New York’s offense and culture—and neither stance appears particularly accurate.
In between those two ends of the spectrum is a reality that the triangle offense is still alive and well in the NBA. Countless teams infuse triangle elements into their respective systems, including the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, franchise player Kristaps Porzingis explained that the triangle offense was a part of New York’s first training camp practice.
Contrary to popular belief, Porzingis is in favor of the triangle’s presence.
"“I saw some elements from the triangle. I think it’s always good to know an offense that’s worked in the past. It’s always good for everybody, even if we’re not playing it. Just to know some other teams use elements from that offense to defend that better. Or for yourself, for your basketball IQ. We worked on it a little bit today and probably going forward we’re going to do some things with the triangle. It’s going to be good for everybody to know that.”"
Running the triangle offense as the primary method of execution may have been a flawed approach in the modern era, but incorporating the system has clear benefits.
At its core, the triangle offense is founded on three points of emphasis: Ball movement, player movement, and spacing. Those traits are universal in successful offensive systems, which makes a commitment to said values a healthy approach.
As for the triangle itself, it’s an effective way to create post-up opportunities for an offense that will feature the likes of Willy Hernangomez, Enes Kanter, and Porzingis.
It should also enable the Knicks’ newly acquired shooters to learn how to play off of said bigs and create a healthy high-low balance.
The difference in 2017-18, however, is that head coach Jeff Hornacek plans to push the pace and spread the floor beyond the three-point line. For perspective: New York ranked No. 15 in pace and No. 21 in three-point field goals attempted in 2016-17.
With the likes of Damyean Dotson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, Doug McDermott, Frank Ntilikina, and Porzingis, the Knicks have the personnel to improve in both regards.
Must Read: Kristaps Porzingis grateful to Carmelo Anthony
Thus, while the presence of the triangle offense may be polarizing on the surface, Kristaps Porzingis and the New York Knicks seem to view it as a valuable tool when it’s not the focal point.