New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee recently defended head coach Jeff Hornacek. Now, in the face of adversity, Lee is encouraging professionalism.
The New York Knicks are approaching an offseason that projects to bring upon sweeping changes—again. Less than one year removed from parting ways with both team president Phil Jackson and franchise player Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks are considering another significant adjustment.
If recent rumors are to be believed, then New York is in the process of weighing the option of firing head coach Jeff Hornacek.
It’s a polarizing possibility for a franchise that’s desperately searching for a sideline leader who can provide stability. New York is on its second coach of the Kristaps Porzingis era alone, as well as its ninth coach since 2001—not including interim coaches Kurt Rambis and Herb Williams.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, veteran shooting guard Courtney Lee acknowledged the uncomfortable situation, but stated that professionalism remains the key.
"“That’s part of the NBA,’’ Lee said of the coach’s uncertainty. “Trade deadline, everybody is in trade talks, everybody is in free-agent talks. You got to go about your business. You can’t let that distract you and that’s the same thing for [coaches]. They hear the talk. You still have to go about your job so it’s all the same. It’s all about being professional.”"
If everyone comes into work, does their job to the best of their abilities, and leaves major decisions for the offseason, those who fit and those who don’t will be more easily identified.
When every player and coach comes in and does what’s asked of them, a front office’s job becomes significantly easier. No longer is it a matter of managing egos, but instead determining what fits where and who needs to be relieved of their duties.
One possibility is that the coach is improperly utilizing their players, which could result in the front office deciding to move on.
Another possibility is that the players aren’t allowing the coach to properly utilize them, which could lead to a front office deciding to find more professional contributors.
This coming summer, general manager Scott Perry will be forced to make a decision about which possibility applies to Hornacek. 2018-19 will be the final year on Hornacek’s current contract, but there are some who believe he’s fallen short of expectations.
As Lee previously noted: Hornacek was also tasked with coaching through a season-ending injury to Kristaps Porzingis and a stretch of 20 consecutive games without Tim Hardaway Jr.
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Regardless of which side you fall on, what’s clear is that the New York Knicks have a significant decision to make. In the meantime, professionalism will be the key.