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Knicks Rumors: Five reasons firing Jeff Hornacek would be premature

By Maxwell Ogden

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 4: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks coaches against the Sacramento Kings on March 4, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 4: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks coaches against the Sacramento Kings on March 4, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 3: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 3: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Continuity

Whether or not you believe Jeff Hornacek is the long-term answer, giving Kristaps Porzingis four coaches in four years would be a dangerous approach. Over the course of his first three seasons, he’s already played for Derek Fisher, Kurt Rambis, and Hornacek.

Throw in the fact that the Knicks are also on their second general manager during Porzingis’ brief NBA career and it’s fair to believe that a lack of continuity could hinder his development.

Hornacek is entering the final season of his current contract, which lends even more credence to the continuity factor. New York could send a message to future candidates that they’ll have the support of the front office to complete their contract and install their system with a firm backing.

That decision would afford Hornacek the opportunity to prove his long-term value and give Porzingis the chance to work with a coaching staff that he’s developing a rapport with.

I acknowledge that finding the right coach is a more important goal than not wanting to make another change. The Knicks can’t seem to commit to one sideline general, however, and never seem to give their hires a truly fair shake.

If nothing else, bringing Hornacek back for the 2018-19 campaign would create the type of continuity that’s been missing for the better part of two decades.

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