“We believe we’re going to be a playoff team”, Jackson said in September of 2014, “and then we don’t know how far we’ll be able to go, but we’re hoping for the best”.
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Phil Jackson makes a promotional appearance for a credit card. The eighth seed in the 2016 Eastern Conference playoffs won 44 games and based on that barometer, it would take a significant leap next season to qualify for the playoffs. Forward Kristaps Porzingis finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest. To do that in a year when everyone and their mother has salary-cap space, he needs a hook, a recruiting pitch to separate the Knicks from other suitors.
Incidentally, we always think that reps in sports have more power and persuasiveness than they do.
Will Hornacek run the triangle offense?
Porzingis became the first rookie in National Basketball Association history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals. At his introductory press conference, though, Hornacek said that the triangle will be “a part of our offense.”
Yet, despite the fact that Jackson passed over Rambis for the Knicks head coaching job, he did suggest that the former interim head coach could stick around and serve as an assistant on Hornacek’s staff in 2016. The Knicks ranked in the bottom five in offensive efficiency over the past two seasons while running the triangle offense.
With new coach Jeff Hornacek at the helm, the Knicks likely would have to improve significantly from last season’s 32-50 finish in order to snare a playoff spot in the East. “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”.
One of the most compelling stories of the 2016 National Basketball Association offseason is the influx of cap space possessed by the New York Knicks.
“You name it, we’ve got it, basically”.
Jackson also praised Hornacek and is confident that his personality will easily gel with the team’s young talent. “We have to hire a staff that fits with Jeff”, Jackson added.
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The Knicks now don’t have a pick in the upcoming NBA Draft on June 23, but Jackson has said they may attempt to acquire one via trade. The Knicks have been working out college prospects at their team facility in recent days.
