New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis praises Jeff Hornacek for new environment
New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek has been empowered by the new front office. Kristaps Porzingis likes what he’s seeing.
The New York Knicks have started three consecutive seasons in postseason-caliber form. The 2015-16 and 2016-17 campaigns ended in disappointing fashion, but the Knicks had a .500 record as late as the 44th and 32nd games of the respective seasons.
That could cause fans to temper their excitement about New York’s current 7-6 record, but head coach Jeff Hornacek has created a different kind of environment than in past seasons.
Kristaps Porzingis recently stated that the difference between the 2017-18 team and the groups of previous seasons is the commitment to learning the system. He believes the 2016-17 team attempted to get by on talent instead of learning how to play as a unified group.
During a recent appearance on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio, Porzingis stated that an empowered coach Hornacek is to thank for the change in approach (h/t Ian Begley of ESPN New York).
"“This year you can feel that Jeff has more, he’s running his own stuff without anybody coming in and telling him what to do or how to do so I think from the top down you can feel that there’s more confidence in what we’re doing,” Porzingis said in an interview with ESPN Radio’s The Michael Kay Show on Tuesday. “It’s a better feeling this way.”"
After a full season of what many believed was an undermining by the lead executive, Hornacek is capturing his locker room and putting his players in a position to succeed.
Whether or not you agree with the narrative that Phil Jackson intentionally undermined Hornacek, a shadow was cast by the 13-time NBA champion. The mere thought of Jackson helping from a coaching perspective created feelings of both rage and excitement.
On one hand, Jackson was doing what he infamously berated Jerry West for: Attempting to guide a roster that the coach was attempting to win over.
On the other hand, Jackson won 11 of his championship rings as a head coach—more than any other coach in NBA history.
With Jackson and Carmelo Anthony now out of New York, the distractions are gone and Hornacek has been given a chance to prove himself. He showed flashes of being an elite strategist with the Phoenix Suns, and has begun to display that same proficiency in 2017-18.
It’s still early, but having Hornacek and Porzingis on the same page is a refreshing example of the harmony between multiple levels of the organization.
Must Read: Keys to victory against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 15
The New York Knicks are in a better place today than they were as recently as two months ago. The question is: Can the Knicks continue to build?