New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek Remains On The Defensive

Head coach Jeff Hornacek has had more than his share of problems with players, management and press during his first season with the New York Knicks.

New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek is taking each game with stride through a variety of on and off the court problems. His team is 26-38 and much better suited to tank for a high draft pick than challenge for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

He’s battled back and forth with utilizing the triangle offense, pushed by 11-time NBA champion coach turned team president Phil Jackson, and the whereabouts at times of his own players.

Recently, after a dreadful close loss on the road to the Philadelphia 76ers, Hornacek was subliminally called out by star forward Carmelo Anthony in regards to making adjustments in games.

Hornacek rarely throughout the season with the Knicks has addressed a player’s comments openly, but quickly had a response to the media that brushed off the heat rather than build more tension.

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In an interview with the New York Daily News the first-year Knicks head coach addressed the criticism in his discussion of late game situations.

"“I think maybe later in the game (we are predictable), but there’s different options off of that predictability or that set that they can do, It can be into a corner pick and roll. But if we don’t come off — if we just throw it to Carmelo and stand, then it becomes predictable. But the guys are supposed to come off that, get to the corner. Melo, if he doesn’t have a good move there, that elbow shot, then he can go to the corner pick and roll and put pressure on them that way.”"

Hornacek was the starting shooting guard alongside Hall of Famer John Stockton with the Utah Jazz team that battled Michael Jordan and the mighty 1990s Chicago Bulls teams in back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.

He is a big believer in pride and playing the game hard every night something he was forced to address last month after the Knicks’ embarrassing home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hornacek spoke to the media after the game in his usual postgame presser ripping the team’s heart and effort that night.

"“You’ve got to play for some pride, If you’re going to come out and just play basketball, then you’re in the wrong level. A lot of pride is internal, We can continue to push them and get more upset at them or use positive talk and all that. We’re just going to have to do it in practice. They won’t like it, but maybe that will get them going, a good, hard-battle practice.”"

The Knicks were able to put things together with Anthony who was nursing a sore knee, Monday against the Orlando Magic.

The 113-105 victory was highlighted by the great bench play from recently signed guard Chasson Randle, who helped orchestrate the teams’s 23-4 run while starting guard Derrick Rose was benched by Hornacek.

He addressed his confidence in Randle running the offense down the stretch to reporters after the game.

"“We saw him in training camp and liked him then, We were all surprised that nobody picked him up prior to Philadelphia getting him. We were stuck with 15 guaranteed roster spots. It was tough to keep him. But we always thought when he becomes available, we’re going to try to get him back somehow.”"

Randle will probably see an increase in minutes moving forward as Hornacek is not shy to bench a former All-Star or MVP to stay with the hot hand.

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I think it’s fair to note the Knicks should remain committed to Hornacek long term and avoid any coaching changes talk since it’s been a while that they’ve had a coach to keep things professional on and off the court.