New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek Excited About Opportunity
The New York Knicks have officially hired Jeff Hornacek, and he is excited to be taking over the job.
It took a little while, but the New York Knicks finally signed Jeff Hornacek on Wednesday. After news leaked that the two sides had agreed in principle over two weeks ago, the deal didn’t become official until this week. While it took a while to finalize, it is a deal that both sides are happy finally come to fruition.
The deal became official on Wednesday according to ESPN sources, as the Knicks and Hornacek agreed to a three-year deal worth $15 million. There is no fourth year option, which is peculiar as many coaches are given the fourth year so that they are not a lame duck in what is usually the pivotal third season. It also mirrors the years remaining on Phil Jackson‘s contract, tying himself to Hornacek after the disaster that Derek Fisher was.
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The Knicks are confident that Hornacek can deliver those results and get things turned around. He coached the Phoenix Suns previously for parts of three seasons, compiling a record of 101-112. He led the Suns to a 48-34 record in his first season as head coach, making the most of a young roster. But, the next two seasons the Suns front office did Hornacek very little favors, giving him a mismatched roster in his second season and then moving a lot of it by the time his third season began.
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The Suns front office undermined Hornacek, but he showed an ability to work well with younger players. He also showed an innovative offensive mind, as he made things work as best as he could with the pieces he had with the Suns. That is something that Jackson liked, praising Hornacek’s previous work and basketball acumen.
“Jeff has a tremendous basketball acumen and possesses strong leadership skills,” Jackson said in a statement. “During his career as both a player and coach, he has demonstrated the ability to elevate the game.”
Hornacek is very excited to be taking over as the Knicks’ head coach, and is ready to get things going. “I am extremely excited and honored to be the next coach of such an historic franchise,” he said. “I look forward to working with Phil — a coach and teacher of the game I have admired for many years — and collaborating with him and our staff to take this team to the level that Knicks fans expect.”
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Hornacek is expected to be formally introduced during a press conference on Friday. After that he will get right to work, as the Knicks will begin game planning for the summer. They do not have a draft pick, but should have at least $19 million to use in free agency, and are hoping that Hornacek can help them make pitches to potential free agent targets.