5 reasons Jeff Hornacek is right man for Knicks
By John Buhler
2. Knicks’ point guard play will improve.
Besides the constant threat of chaos emanating from the suits, what has been the Knicks’ biggest weakness during their current playoff drought has been sub-standard point guard play. With all the experience Hornacek had coaching strong point guards in Phoenix, he can at least bring in a few principles to overhaul the position’s dynamic in New York.
New York will almost certainly try to court an elite NBA point guard to their potentially on-the-rise basketball team in 2016 NBA free agency. The most obvious target has to be Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Mike Conley, who might actually leave the only team he has ever played for in Memphis.
Even if the Knicks don’t land Conley, there is a strong belief that Hornacek’s presence on the sideline will help New York get the most out of their mediocre back court. Langston Galloway and Arron Afflalo could really thrive in a more up-tempo offense created by Hornacek.
It may not improve exponentially in 2016-17, but Hornacek has proven in his two and a half years as an NBA head coach that he knows what he’s doing in the back court. The front court is a different issue, but that’s where New York’s two best players play: Anthony at the three and Porzingis ideally at stretch five.
If the Knicks aren’t abysmal at point guard (maybe the bring back Jeremy Lin for Linsanity, Part Deux?) in 2016-17, there is a legitimate chance that the Knicks can end their playoff slide and Hornacek will get his first chance at coaching in the NBA Playoffs.
Next: 1. Can build an offense around Kristaps Porzingis.