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New York Knicks: Tim Hardaway Jr. defends Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks talks with Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 during a game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on February 24, 2018 in New York City. The Celtics defeated the Knicks 121-112. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks talks with Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 during a game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on February 24, 2018 in New York City. The Celtics defeated the Knicks 121-112. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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With New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek on the fans’ hot seat, shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. publicly defended the sideline general.

As the New York Knicks prepare for another season on the outside looking in of the NBA Playoffs, head coach Jeff Hornacek has emerged as the scapegoat. Fans have grown impatient with the losses and have thus placed the blame on Hornacek’s rotations and in-game adjustments.

While there may be some merit to the unbiased portions of the criticism, one of Hornacek’s featured players has taken a public stance against the criticism.

New York is currently 24-41, albeit after playing more than a month without Kristaps Porzingis. Despite the hurdles that have been placed in the Knicks’ path, fans have created an anti-Hornacek movement that’s beginning to dominate social media.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, $71 million man Tim Hardaway Jr. defended Hornacek and stated that he and his teammates appreciate what he’s doing for them.

"“He’s doing a great job in a tough situation,’’ Hardaway said of Hornacek. “Coaches are in a tough situation too. It’s easy for him to fold as well. He’s continuing to develop us as ballplayers, continuing to encourage us on both ends of the floor, especially in practice, continuing to have that killer instinct and mentality to instill in the ball club. We appreciate that and we’ll keep on fighting for him.’’"

The fact that Hardaway spoke for the team and claimed, “We,” will keep fighting for Hornacek is an encouraging sign.

Most agree that 2017-18 is Hornacek’s first season as the true head coach of the Knicks. He held the position in 2016-17, but was asked to run a system that wasn’t his own and dealt with off-court distractions that were created by individuals in more influential positions than he.

With Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson both out, however, the attention has turned to Hornacek and his ability to lead the Knicks to victory.

As Hardaway alluded to, however, Hornacek has developed talent and kept the Knicks together in the face of adversity.

New York played 20 consecutive games without Hardaway, missing him for 22 outings overall. It also played without Porzingis in seven separate games before his season-ending injury, which doesn’t include the three minutes he was held to in a win over the Miami Heat.

It’s also worth noting that Hardaway, Enes Kanter, and Courtney Lee are all experiencing career-years under Hornacek’s guidance and leadership.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft: Top 5 centers for the New York Knicks

Personnel development has been Jeff Hornacek’s top priority since the day he took over as head coach of the New York Knicks. By that metric, he’s done a better job than he’s been given credit for.

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