After Monday night’s embarrassing loss at home to the Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks are nearing rock bottom. They’ve lost five straight, and are now 16-18 on the year. The Knicks’ struggles have been hard to watch, but while they’ve had problems in multiple facets on the court, one part of their team that hasn’t been critiqued enough is the coaching of Jeff Hornacek.
Jeff Hornacek Shouldn’t Get a Pass For the Knicks Struggles
Hornacek Was Supposed To Make The Knicks A Run-and-Gun Team
In the off-season, team president Phil Jackson went out of his comfort zone a bit by bringing in former Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek on a three-year deal. In previous years, Hornacek coached quick, run-and-gun guards including Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, and Isaiah Thomas. Jackson and the Knicks hired Hornacek with the intention of evolving into a quick, fast-breaking team, much like Hornacek’s former Suns squad. The Knicks attempted to duplicate his former guard trio by trading for former MVP point guard Derrick Rose and signing former Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings, as well as signing ‘three and D” shooting guard Courtney Lee. While at times a bit out of control, both Rose and Jennings have been productive for the Knicks, but not enough to make them a force in the East. Free agent Joakim Noah hasn’t been enough, either.
The $72 million man (Noah) has disappointed many so far this season with his lack of offensive production and inability to be a true defensive backbone. His disappointing play makes Phil Jackson look bad, but why is Noah’s play all Jackson’s fault? Hornacek is the one starting him night in and night out, when he could very well have Noah come off the bench to serve as Kristaps Porzingis‘ backup – a role in which he could thrive.
The Issue of Carmelo Anthony
Another relevant issue is that many have clamored for New York’s star player, Carmelo Anthony, to be dealt via trade due to his tendency to hold onto the ball for too long. It’s plays like this one that have fans riled up, but look at Hornacek’s reaction to Anthony’s call for his own number.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzTUHV0y8bk
Once Anthony called his own number, Hornacek turned around and started walking to the end of the bench, appearing to be riled up a bit; however, is it better to hold in your opinion, or let it out? If Hornacek wants the Knicks to improve and generate more ball movement, he needs to make it loud and clear when he’s unsatisfied. Turning around and choosing to not watch a possession won’t change anything. If he wants the ears of his players, he needs to hold guys accountable, and even call them out on the court individually, if necessary. Also, after Monday night’s game, Hornacek said that he feels the Knicks aren’t playing with a full motor, and even stated that their defense may be a lost cause.
Lack of Effort and Defensive Tenacity is on Coaching
When it comes to defense and energy, Hornacek and his coaching staff are the ones to point the finger at; they’re the ones who are supposed to be having guys ready to go come tip-off every night. Whether it’s Hornacek, Kurt Rambis, or any other coach on the staff, they’re the ones responsible for the efforts put forth by the players.
The Knicks are in a dark place right now, as they’re two games below .500. Their defense has been among the NBA’s worst, they’ve seen little ball movement, and they’ve been accused of not giving maximum effort. However, while the Knicks’ struggles aren’t because of one person alone, head coach Jeff Hornacek appears to be getting a pass when it comes to his team’s struggles. He’s just as responsible as the five players he puts out on the court every night, and his coaching should be getting critiqued a lot more than it currently is.
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