New York Knicks: The identity Jeff Hornacek wants in New York

Jeff Hornacek the player

Jeff Hornacek had a long and successful NBA career as a shooting guard from 1986-00. He played for the Phoenix Suns, Philadephia 76ers and most notably, the Utah Jazz. Hornacek thrived in an era of physicality and defense that stands in stark contrast to the modern NBA.

Now that the triangular reins are off, it appears Hornacek is prepared to bring a more defensive mindset to New York. Hornacek was asked about his plans during the introductory press conference for new GM Scott Perry. Fred Kerber of the New York Post records Hornacek’s response:

"“We want to try to establish an identity. The identity has to become defense first…We have to also try to develop a mentality for them, that desire to get a stop. It’s not, ‘OK, he scored that time, I’ll guard him next time.’ You should be embarrassed. You should feel, ‘That guy can’t score on me.’ That’s the mentality you have every time you’re guarding the guy with the ball.”"

It is his years with the Utah Jazz that most fans remember Jeff Hornacek by as a player. While he was often overshadowed by the greatness of John Stockton and Karl Malone, Hornacek played a major role on those teams. His shooting alleviated pressure off Stockton and Malone as he found open space opposite the pick-and-roll.

Hornacek’s overall hustle was also a major part of a defense that finished consistently in the top-10. In fact, the Jazz defense finished outside the top-eight just one time in the years Hornacek was there.

Hornacek wasn’t a defensive stopper in the NBA but he experienced basketball success through solid defense and smart offense. Once Hornacek the player became a coach, he attempted to bring those lessons to the sideline.