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Knicks Rumors: Doc Rivers could be interested in coaching NYK

By Maxwell Ogden

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 27: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 27, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 27: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 27, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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If the New York Knicks part ways with head coach Jeff Hornacek, former point guard Doc Rivers would be interested in filling the void.

New York Knicks fans have made it no secret that they aren’t exactly pleased with current head coach Jeff Hornacek. Hornacek has been under-appreciated in some regards, but his veteran-heavy lineups were offputting to those in favor of a youth movement.

While New York has yet to indicate that Hornacek will lose his job this coming summer, one of the most respected coaches in the NBA may be anticipating such transpiring.

Hornacek took over as head coach of the Knicks in 2016-17, but most agree that 2017-18 was his first true season on the job. The general consensus is that he was undermined by former team president Phil Jackson, but that hasn’t saved him from speculation about his future.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, one individual who would be interested in potentially replacing Hornacek in New York is current Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers.

"But according to a former Rivers associate, it’s not far-fetched for the one-time Knicks guard to have interest in the team’s coaching job if Jeff Hornacek, who has one year left on his contract, is let go after the season.“Doc enjoyed his time there,’’ the former associate said. “He respects the city, he respects the organization.’’"

This seems like an appealing opportunity on the surface, but the cost of doing business may rule it out as a possibility.

Hiring Rivers would mean firing Hornacek, whom the front office has developed a solid rapport with. Hornacek has taken the brunt of the criticism in 2017-18, but the veteran-heavy lineups that stressed an immediate push for the postseason weren’t exclusively his idea.

General manager Scott Perry publicly stated his desire to make the playoffs in 2018, which inevitably resulted in the utilization of the more established players on the roster.

In saying that, if the Knicks feel as though Hornacek is no longer the right coach for the job, then the organization could look to move on this summer.

On the surface, hiring a former NBA champion who has made the playoffs in every season since 2007-08 sounds ideal. Doing so would likely require trading a draft pick, however, which could mean losing a future first-round selection.

For a rebuilding franchise that could simply wait until Rivers’ contract expires in 2019, it would be a polarizing decision to give up a draft pick.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft: Top 10 prospects as of March 1

The question is: Would the New York Knicks share mutual interest with Doc Rivers, who once played point guard for this very organization?

More importantly: Is New York even considering the possibility of firing Jeff Hornacek?

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