New York Knicks: How to build positive momentum for the 2018-19 season
By John Azzato
The New York Knicks will not contend this year. What can coach Jeff Hornacek do to ensure they improve next season? Can he do it with the current roster?
Unfortunately, it seems the New York Knicks are out of contention for the 2017-18 postseason. However, fans knew this was a probability before the regular season began.
There are steps the Knicks can take to improve for the 2018-19 season, even with this roster. Hence, It would be wise to take these steps, and look past this year to ensure improvement in the next.
The Youth Movement
With the Knicks no longer contending for a playoff spot, head coach Jeff Hornacek has decided to make a change. Players like Jarrett Jack have seen their minutes decrease, in favor of those like Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Frank Ntilikina.
Players like Burke and Mudiay have both gained from the Knicks’ inability to win games. What I mean by that is: both Burke and Mudiay were left without solid roles in the NBA. This changed when they came to the Knicks.
Burke has scored 52 points over the last two games, while Mudiay has been able to rack up points and assists in recent contests.
Ntilikina is obviously another player who will benefit from the Knicks’ decision to play the younger guys. Ntilikina, who’s only 19 years of age, needs playing time in a competitive NBA game to improve as a player.
The Knicks chose him at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, indicating that they think he’s the point guard of the future. As a result, he should be getting a steady volume of minutes each and every game, to grow and mature.
Luke Kornet, Damyean Dotson, and Isaiah Hicks are also players who may not be stalwarts in future plans, but will begin to see more minutes. This is to see what they can do on the court, and formulate a decision on if they could be valuable assets moving forward.
Emphasize Defense
One thing that coach Hornacek can do to help this team improve for the future is to make sure to emphasize defense. One thing the Knicks have been known for in recent years is their lack of defensive effort and ability.
With players like Lance Thomas, who has always been a committed defensive player, this culture change should begin with players like him. Whether on-ball, off-ball or in help defense, something has to change in this department for the Knicks.
Ntilikina is also a player who has shown to have some solid defensive capabilities, due to his length and effort wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.
If coach Hornacek wants to stay for the long haul, a smart move for him would be to stop focusing so much on the run-and-gun offense. He should focus more energy on pushing his team to dig in and play gritty defense.
I feel that if they can change the defensive part of their culture, they can use that as a springboard to becoming closer to the playoff picture.
Demand Accountability
It’s very important for coaches to hold each and every player accountable for their play. In recent years, players have gotten away with taking bad shots and showing no effort on the defensive end of the floor.
Veterans like Enes Kanter and Lance Thomas should be leading the way in assisting Hornacek in keeping everyone in their place. Hornacek should do his best to let his plethora of young guys on the Knicks know that no matter if you’re a superstar, high draft pick, or undrafted player, you’ll come and do what you have to do to make the team better.
If Hornacek can establish this idealism, players will notice and work harder as a result. Due to being out of contention, there’s always the possibility that players will decide to jog to the finish.
Hornacek can take away that possibility. He must let everyone know that the culture for this New York Knicks team and organization is about to change.
Hornacek Is Key
Coach Hornacek has control of all of these ideas mentioned. Playing younger guys, changing the defensive culture, and holding players accountable.
Must Read: Jeff Hornacek is working with Emmanuel Mudiay on his shooting form
If he can put these ideas together, the New York Knicks will be sure to improve in the 2018-19 NBA season.