The New York Knicks are working on a deal to make Jeff Hornacek their new head coach in a move that would come as a stunner to most.
Hornacek, 53, served as head coach of the Phoenix Suns for two and a half seasons before being let go in February. A former second-round pick by the Suns who also had a lengthy playing career with the Utah Jazz, Hornacek was a latecomer to the Knicks’ head coaching search. If the deal is finalized, he would be getting the position over other candidates like David Blatt, Frank Vogel and Kurt Rambis.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Hornacek’s impending hire is that he may not have to run the triangle offense, which is a favorite of team president Phil Jackson, and something many considered a requirement of the job.
“The things I’ve heard is that he’s not going to be required to run the triangle,” Jeff Van Gundy said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “Which is smart from the standpoint that he’s never taught it before. So you don’t want to come in trying that you’ve never played in or taught. I’m interested in that. But I think it’s an inspired choice.”
The Wall Street Journal’s Chris Herring also reported that Hornacek may not be required to run the triangle given his lack of experience with it. Instead, the Knicks may ask him to create an offensive system that best utilizes the team’s talent.
Though it sounds like the two sides are close, keep in mind that nothing is finalized yet. Once upon a time, the Knicks thought Steve Kerr was going to be their head coach, but he ended up choosing the Warriors instead, and we all know how that turned out.
For now, it seems like the Knicks have their man, and like Jackson may be showing some flexibility concerning his system after all.
