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New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek sees light at the end of the tunnel

By Maxwell Ogden

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 31: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks is introduced prior to the game against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 31: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks is introduced prior to the game against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek knows that times are tough, but he sees a light at the end of the tunnel for a once prominent franchise.

The New York Knicks may be nearing the end of another disappointing season, but a refreshing measure of progress has been made. The franchise player made his first career All-Star Game appearance, multiple players put forth career-years, and the team improved as a whole before enduring a wave of injuries.

Thus, while 2017-18 marks a fifth consecutive season without a postseason appearance, the franchise appears to be trending in the right direction.

Over the past 17 years, the Knicks have found themselves in a vicious cycle that generally consists of abandoning a long-term vision for a short-term fix. As New York embraces a draft-oriented rebuild, however, a light at the end of the tunnel has revealed itself.

According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, head coach Jeff Hornacek is of the belief that the Knicks are closer than they seem to a return to prominence.

"“I don’t think we’re that far away,” Hornacek said “We had the injury to KP, your best player. We had the injury to Tim for a long time. That doesn’t help the cause. Now those guys, hopefully they can come back. These guys got experience. You add a player or two. I don’t think you’re far off.”"

Knicks fans certainly have reason to be skeptical of Hornacek’s comments, but an evaluation of the roster establishes that he isn’t necessarily wrong.

Kristaps Porzingis is an All-Star who can play both interior positions at a high level. He averaged 22.7 points and 1.9 three-point field goals made before his injury, as well as a league-leading 2.4 blocks per game.

Porzingis also ranked No. 1 in the NBA in opponent field goal percentage at the rim, thus rounding out what should have been an All-Defense campaign.

Assuming Porzingis returns to form in 2018-19 and beyond, he should prosper as one of the few players in the NBA who provide star-caliber value on both ends of the floor.

Furthermore, the Knicks have a trio of promising guards in Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Trey Burke. New York also has quality veteran leadership, all of its future first-round draft picks, and a front office that no longer feuds with its players.

Furthermore, the Knicks are posting their highest team field goal percentage since 1996-97 and their most assists per game since 1994-95.

Must Read: Frank Ntilikina flashes star potential

If the New York Knicks can remain healthy and committed to developing the franchise cornerstones, then Jeff Hornacek‘s comments will be proven true sooner than later.

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