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New York Knicks Should Not Have Kurt Rambis on Coaching Staff

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks interim head coach Kurt Rambis directs his team against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks interim head coach Kurt Rambis directs his team against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks have hired Jeff Hornacek to be their next head coach, but Kurt Rambis is still lurking around the organization.

Coming into the offseason, the New York Knicks were expected to remove the interim tag from head coach Kurt Rambis, and give him control of the team. After Phil Jackson fired Derek Fisher, Rambis took control of the team last season, but not much changed.

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When we were all expecting Jackson to name Rambis the head coach, the Zen Master pulled one out of left field and hired Hornacek instead. Hornacek has had a much better coaching career with the Phoenix Suns than Rambis did with the Minnesota Timberwolves or Knicks, and his hiring was a welcomed sight.

Despite not hiring Rambis to be the head coach, Jackson hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Rambis will be on the Knicks’ coaching staff next season.

“Well, Kurt fits,’’ Jackson told SNY via the New York Post. “He fits in a number of ways. He’s a teammate of Jeff’s in Phoenix at one point in their careers. He’s also a great team guy, he has a great idea what we’re trying to get accomplished, and I think he can help Jeff feel his way through this club and find the best way for them to play.’’

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While it was very surprising to see Jackson entertain the idea of hiring Rambis to be an assistant again, it was even more surprising to see Hornacek being alright with the idea.

“I know Kurt’s coaching abilities, what he can provide to us, and I’ve talked to him once about the possibility and how he would fit on our staff,” Hornacek said on WFAN (via CBS New York). “As we go on in this process, if I think he’d be good for us, then I’d love to have him”

There is a history between Hornacek and Rambis, as they were teammates, and Rambis also reached out to Hornacek about being his assistant with the Timberwolves. The thought of Rambis being on the bench with Hornacek doesn’t make any sense for the Knicks. Having the coach that was the interim and likely second choice of Jackson would be a bad way for Hornacek to start his career in New York.

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Hornacek is expected to speed up the offense for the Knicks next season with using the triangle in some half court sets. Rambis was a complete follower of Jackson and the triangle offense last season, and this could cause a clear divide.

Even though they have a good relationship, keeping Rambis on Hornacek’s staff would be a huge mistake for the Knicks.

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