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

Jeff Hornacek as a coach

The resume of Jeff Hornacek the coach isn’t nearly as extensive or impressive as his playing career. Yet, his short time as a head coach reveals the style he has in mind for the New York Knicks.

Hornacek began as an assistant with the Utah Jazz from 2011-13 before being named head coach of the Phoenix Suns. In two and half seasons with the Suns, Hornacek never had anything close to a good defense. In those years, the Suns finished with the 15th, 17th and 25th-ranked defensive rating in the league.

In his first season as New York Knicks head coach, Jeff Hornacek led a defense that ranked 26th in the league. Yet, last season was full of turmoil and devoid of any basketball direction due to the incompetence of Phil Jackson. The Knicks’ defense could be better next season (can’t be much worse) but fans should not expect a fast turnaround.

The year Hornacek the player and the Utah Jazz had a defense finish outside the top-10, they actually finished 17th (1998). That year, however, the Jazz finished first in their division with a 62-20 record and the No. 1 offense in the NBA. Hornacek can say all he wants about defense, but his success as a player and coach has been on the offensive side of the ball.

Prior to hiring Jeff Hornacek as head coach, the Phoenix Suns had the 29th ranked offense in the NBA. The next season, the Suns and Hornacek finished as the eighth best offense in the league. As a whole, the Suns experienced a turnaround under Hornacek. Offense, however, was where he had the greatest impact.

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For now, Jeff Hornacek is saying all the right things about defense, hustle and competition. If he wants his New York Knicks focused on defense it will be a new concept for this team…and for Hornacek himself.