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New York Knicks: Top 10 candidates to replace Jeff Hornacek as head coach

By Maxwell Ogden

New York Knicks (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York Knicks (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 23: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic watches the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 23, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 23: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic watches the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 23, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Frank Vogel

Frank Vogel is a shining example of how important it is for a head coach to fit the identity of a franchise. He was perfect for an Indiana Pacers franchise that preferred to grind its way to victory, but failed to fit the more flashy nature of the Orlando Magic.

If you’re of the belief that Vogel was exposed in Orlando, however, you should first take note of the fact that the New York Knicks fit his identity as a coach.

Vogel is all about defense, which is reason enough for the Knicks to schedule a meeting with the 44-year-old. That much was established when the Pacers ranked No. 1 in the NBA in defensive rating during both the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

Indiana ranked No. 3 in defensive rating in 2015-16 and even remained in the top 10 in 2014-15 despite playing 76 of the 82 regular season games without George.

Thus, while the lackluster play in Orlando may be disappointing, it shouldn’t exactly be discouraging. Vogel has a proven track record that includes a pair of trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and 31-30 overall record in the playoffs.

A New Jersey native who has expressed interest in the Knicks job, Vogel should be a top preference of the front office in 2018.

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