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New York Knicks: 5 Things To Watch For During Preseason

By Kenneth Teape

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) addresses the media as point guard Derrick Rose looks on during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) addresses the media as point guard Derrick Rose looks on during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks: 5 Things To Watch For During Preseason
Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek yells to this team during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Sets

When Phil Jackson hired Jeff Hornacek, it was a surprise to many people. The common theory was that Jackson would remove the interim tag from Kurt Rambis and make him the head coach. Also, Jackson continued saying he wanted someone he has worked with previously and would use the triangle offense.

Hornacek is none of those, so it was an upset that he was given the job. But, it is one that Knicks fans should enjoy. Seeing friends of Jackson run the show got old fast, so it was nice to see him go outside his circle of trust to try and get the Knicks going. Arguably the biggest thing to watch during the preseason is the offensive sets that the Knicks run.

Hornacek is allowed to run whatever offense he wants. He has said that the goal is to improve the team’s effective field goal percentage. To do that, speeding up the pace will help. The Knicks finished last in the NBA last season in fast break points; under Hornacek expect them to finish closer to the middle of the pack.

Hornacek will have them running a faster-paced offense, as shots early in the clock sometimes are the best ones they will get. Pick-and-rolls will be more prevalent, something some players will excel in. Thinking of Derrick Rose in pick-and-rolls with Carmelo Anthony or Kristaps Porzingis will be nice to see; really Porzingis in any pick-and-roll situation should be fun.

Hornacek has said that he will use some of the concepts from the triangle offense still; it is not going away altogether. How much though will remain to be seen. Finding a good balance between the two schemes will take a little while, so expect some tinkering during the preseason from Hornacek.

Next: 30 Greatest New York Knicks Players Of All-Time

The Knicks have six preseason games to iron things out. While it will probably take longer to truly grasp everything, the preseason will give a good glimpse. There are a lot of things to watch for as the Knicks get their preseason underway tonight.

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