Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks came out of unexpected territory with the hiring of new head coach Jeff Hornacek.
Most figured Jackson would go with a more familiar friend, maybe a Kurt Rambis even despite public demands by Carmelo Anthony for a say in the matter.
While at first confusing, the plan in New York continues to reveal itself, the latest nugget from ESPN.com’s Ian Begley suggesting a better chance on the open market as one of the main goals:
Some around the league say the stigma surrounding the triangle turned off potential free agents last summer. The hope around the Knicks facility in recent days is that Hornacek can tweak the offensive scheme, thereby enticing top free agents to come to New York.
Now it all makes sense, right? Hornacek is already trumpeting the organization’s history with the media:
Jeff Hornacek: “I am extremely excited and honored to be the next coach of such an historic franchise.” #Knicks pic.twitter.com/Dr1ahUtgrH
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 2, 2016
To be blunt: New York has been a terrible destination for free agents for years.
The whole Anthony-Amar’e Stoudemire marriage didn’t work out and little has since, other than past leaders digging a deeper and deeper hole Jackson has had to take a gigantic shovel to over the years.
Now, though, Jackson seems ready to step back a tad and take the emphasis away from his offensive system of choice. Is it enough to lure big names to town? Maybe—Anthony is still an attractive piece and Kristaps Porzingis continues to look like a budding star. Maybe the situation won’t lure a Kevin Durant to town, but even getting someone such as Rajon Rondo at a position of need would be a major win for the log-jammed franchise at this point.
It’s no secret the Knicks were going to make major roster changes this summer. Anthony’s prime continues to slip away and he’s a guy who would get a trade if he demanded it. He doesn’t want to leave, but the Knicks understand the situation.
The Knicks have targeted Hornacek as the guy. Now the waiting game begins and players around the league will ultimately decide if he is the right man for the job.
