Jeff Hornacek, new coach of the New York Knicks (Photo : Doug Pensinger | Getty Images Sport)
The New York Knicks coaching search has finally found its man, ending speculations and debunking conspiracy theories.
According to a report by the NY Times, Knicks President Phil Jackson met with the former Phoenix Suns coach.
"Jackson and Hornacek met in Los Angeles on Monday and came away with strong mutual interest, according to a person briefed on their discussions. While Jackson and Hornacek had yet to begin negotiating a contract as of Wednesday night, a deal was expected to be worked out within days."
Hornacek does not have a very impressive win-loss record as a coach (101-112 in three seasons) but most pundits believe that he is much better than his record suggests.
When he first took over the Suns in the 2013-2014 season, the pre-season predictions had them winning less than 30 games. Instead, he won 48 games and almost made it to the playoffs (48 wins was not good enough for a playoff spot in the wildly competitive Western Conference). He finished second in Coach of the Year honors for that feat (losing to Greg Popovich).
While Hornacek was included in most of the coaching searches, the Times said he was a "late entry" for the Knicks job. He's actually a surprise choice considering he does not have any connection with Phil Jackson (though he played against the Zen Master's Michael Jordan-led Bulls teams in their last two Finals series). He is also not known for employing the triangle offense.
Hornacek is also known for employing multiple point guards in his lineup. This is the Knicks primary position of need. Would hiring Hornacek mean that Phil Jackson already has a prospect in mind?
These were the questions raised by ESPN with news of the impending hire. ESPN analyst and former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gndy addressed the triangle offense issue.
"The things I've heard is that he's not going to be required to run the triangle," Van Gundy said. "Which is smart from the standpoint that he's never taught it before. So you don't want to come in trying [something] that you've never played in or taught. I'm interested in that. But I think it's an inspired choice."
The recent hire could also lead to an awkward situation with Kurt Rambis. Rambis and Hornacek were teammates in the Phoenix Suns for three seasons. As of this writing, Rambis' role with the New York Knicks, if any, is yet undetermined
