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New York Knicks: Five reasons to end the search and hire Mike Budenholzer

By Maxwell Ogden

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Head coach Dave Joerger of the Sacramento Kings talks with Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks prior to the game on March 22, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Head coach Dave Joerger of the Sacramento Kings talks with Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks prior to the game on March 22, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4. Kristaps Porzingis Needs Help

The Atlanta Hawks were inconsistent on the offensive end of the floor under head coach Mike Budenholzer. The Hawks were also team that lacked a single reliable scoring option as far as creating in isolation against a set defense was concerned.

For a New York Knicks franchise that desperately needs to help Kristaps Porzingis, however, adding a coach of Budenholzer’s offensive prowess would be the wisest decision.

Solidifying the defense is the primary goal, but the Knicks need to ensure that Porzingis doesn’t have to work so hard for every shot. I understand he’s 7’3″ and can shoot over just about anyone, but asking him to consistently create in isolation isn’t conducive to team success.

With Budenholzer, the Knicks would have a coach who would emphasize ball and player movement, and rely on isolation only when he has to.

Budenholzer’s Hawks ranked No. 2 in the NBA in passes made in 2017-18, and ranked in the top 10 in each of his five seasons. It’s not just a matter of making the pass that leads to the assist, but passing until someone is open.

The Knicks haven’t struggle to move the ball, but they have failed to move without it. Budenholzer would change that and make Porzingis’ job significantly easier.

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