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New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek encouraging Luke Kornet to play through rookie calls

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks makes his entrance before the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 11, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks makes his entrance before the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 11, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks rookie Luke Kornet hasn’t been getting the benefit of the whistle, but head coach Jeff Hornacek doesn’t want him to change his game.

The New York Knicks are in the midst of an evaluation period that could produce a number of long-term assets. Unheralded players are being given an increased workload, which has thankfully unsurfaced a number of diamonds in the rough.

One of the players who has exceeded expectations during his brief run in the NBA has been rookie center and two-way contract signee Luke Kornet.

Kornet has essentially been a simulated version of Kristaps Porzingis as a shot-blocking big man who can shoot the three-ball. Unfortunately, his efforts on the defensive end of the floor have been met with resistance from the officials.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, head coach Jeff Hornacek acknowledged the rookie calls and encouraged Kornet to play through them.

"“He’s doing a great job sliding his feet, jumping up and using his verticality,’’ said Hornacek, whose Knicks face the 76ers on Wednesday. “He’s getting called for some of those fouls that typically happen to a rookie not getting the benefit of the call. That’s a great sign. As coaches, we say they’re probably not fouls, continue to do it, and as time goes on, they’ll be great plays.’’"

Over time, those calls begin to go a player’s way once the referees better understand their style of play and respect their intentions.

That may sound like odd advice from an outsider’s perspective, but it’s imperative to note that Hornacek is a former player himself. Before he was an All-Star, the Knicks coach was getting some of the same rookie calls as Kornet.

Over time, the referees began to understand and respect his defensive style, thus developing an ability to differentiate between fouls and hard contests.

Kornet may play a different position than Hornacek did, but the same principle applies to his use of the verticality rule.

Kornet is averaging 2.1 blocks and 1.0 steal per 36 minutes, which is a sign of his impact on defense. The foul calls in recent games have been somewhat surprising, however, which has spawned the current discussion.

It’s certainly a fair concern on Kornet’s behalf, but it’s also a harsh reality that the vertical rule comes with a certain freedom of interpretation.

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In Jeff Hornacek’s eyes, all New York Knicks center Luke Kornet needs to do is continue to play his game and allow the rest to fall into place.

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