5 reasons Jeff Hornacek is right man for Knicks
By John Buhler
5. It’s not his first rodeo with chaos.
Coaching in New York isn’t for everyone. The major market flare of being in New York City, as well as working for a historically dysfunctional basketball franchise can swallow even the smartest coaching minds whole.
While there is no panacea for what perpetually ails the Knicks in terms of an ideal coaching candidate, perhaps coming from another chaotic organization best prepares one for what they might and probably will have to deal with coaching the Knicks.
Phoenix was arguably as dysfunctional in 2015-16 as any team in the NBA. In all honesty, the Knicks had it more together than the atrocious Suns of last season. Having both star point guards Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight go down to injury didn’t help.
Trading away Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons offended his twin brother Markieff Morris, who rightfully so became a malcontent until he was moved at the trade deadline to the Washington Wizards. Let’s also consider that owner Robert Sarver has a tendency to get in the way much like Knicks owner James Dolan has done up until recently.
To be fair, the Knicks have some interesting players, a passionate fan base, and most importantly play in the Eastern Conference. Should Hornacek embrace finding solace in utter chaos, he could have the zen to deal with the antiquated ramblings of the Zen Master team president Phil Jackson.
As weird as it sounds, Hornacek is going to a superior situation in New York than he had in Phoenix. Dolan has given way to Jackson. Carmelo Anthony is an All-Star at small forward. Kristaps Porzingis is an up-and-coming star. It’s just not as much of a grease fire as what he had in Phoenix last year.
Next: 4. Western Conference experience could help Knicks make playoffs.