The Knicks fired Jeff Hornacek after their last game
By Jason Klaer
After two seasons at the helm of the Knicks, Jeff Hornacek was fired following New York’s season finale win in Cleveland.
Shortly after landing at the Westchester County Airport, the New York Knicks relieved head coach Jeff Hornacek of his duties. Hornacek compiled a 60-104 record in the Big Apple. Furthermore, his record was among the sixth-worst over that stretch, according to ESPN’s Stats and Information Twitter.
Looking back, some of Hornacek’s failing can be traced back to when then president Phil Jackson wanted to run a combination of the triangle offense. The Knick’s front office said Hornacek’s fate would be measured by the development of younger players.
In addition, Kurt Rambis was also removed from the coaching staff. On top of the Knicks, Detroit, Memphis and Phoenix will also be on the coach hunt. New York continues to be on the rebuild path. With the summer of 2019 free agency looming, the Knicks are also nursing Kristaps Porzingis back to full health.
Overall, the Knicks have been on a down slope. New York has not had a winning season since 2012-13. The team also last made the playoffs in that same season.
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ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says there are three current realistic candidates. Former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale, former Cavaliers coach David Blatt and former Warriors coach Mark Jackson are three immediate possibilities. Currently, Blatt coaches in Turkey. Toronto 905’s coach Jerry Stackhouse is also expected to interview. Toronto 905 is the G-League Affiliate of the Toronto Raptors.
Looking ahead, there are a couple of coaches on the hot seat. Charlotte’s Steve Clifford and Detroit’s Stan Van Gundy are two in the conversation. Could Van Gundy take over in the Big Apple decades after his brother? Finally, with the Knicks’ offseason in full swing, changes are just beginning in the Empire State.