New York Knicks president Steve Mills says coach Jeff Hornacek’s job is safe
The New York Knicks have gotten off to a 2-3 start this season. Statistically, they’re one of the worst teams in the NBA.
In fairness, after the team traded Carmelo Anthony this past summer, I don’t think anyone predicted that the Knicks would have a “great” season. And with so many young pieces on this roster, a slow start to the season should’ve been expected.
However, with that said, there were still growing whispers that Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek’s job could be in jeopardy. On cue, Knicks president Steven Mills did what he could to quiet those rumblings.
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"[via New York Post] In a State of the Knicks address on Sunday at Quicken Loans Arena, Knicks president Steve Mills said Ntilikina and Hernangomez are keepers. He also dampened speculation about Jeff Hornacek’s immediate future, saying he’s not being judged by a won-loss record, and Friday’s Brooklyn victory showed he has the team moving in the right direction.…However, Mills fell short of guaranteeing Hornacek as safe for the season. He indicated, no matter the record, he still wants progress in certain departments such as defense and cutting down turnovers."
If you’re an optimist, the Knicks have won their last two games and are fresh off an impressive victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers – though, they have issues of their own that they’re trying to solve.
Nevertheless, the Knicks have a lot of discovering to do. They need to figure out what type of team they’re going to be in the future, and if they have a reliable second option on the team for Kristaps Porzingis.
Perhaps Jeff Hornacek is the guy to figure all that out. After all, coaching in Phil Jackson’s shadow can’t be an easy task to accomplish. The Knicks did the right thing by not firing Hornacek when they let go of Phil Jackson.
New York should find out what they have in Hornacek, and if he can take this team to another level. Looking at the Knicks situation objectively, this is a young roster that has some talent. New York isn’t the Philadelphia 76ers in terms of young talent, but they’re not 2016-17 Brooklyn Nets either.
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Just maybe Jeff Hornacek and this Knicks roster is the perfect match. Expect both to get better as the season progresses. If not, then maybe it’s time to ask Steve Mills again.