When a person dreams, there is usually no definitive start or finish. The dreamer is suddenly thrown into an alternate world, seemingly trapped. Nightmares are also like that. And without a conceivable start, just a blur of drama and disaster, the New York Knicks season has become one as well.
Jeff Hornacek is just about fed up with this and so, according to the New York Daily News, he lashed out on his starting lineup’s apparent lack of defensive effort.
“Couldn’t guard anybody. Simple as that,” Hornacek said of a starting lineup that featured Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis. “They should be embarrassed by the way they couldn’t guard anybody.”
How can anyone blame Hornacek? Even Carmelo Anthony agreed with his assessment, kind of.
“If he’s saying it, that’s what he sees and that’s what it is. Some games we bring it, some games we don’t,” Anthony said.
The Knicks have been a disaster this season on and off the court without any hope or silver lining. Their most used lineup is a -46, their offseason additions have mostly been a disaster, and they have the 5th worst defensive rating in the NBA, while also recently banning a Knicks legend from their stadium.
What really upset Jeff Hornacek, however, was the lack of effort the starting lineup seemed to have.
“Look at the difference between the first group and the second. They play with effort,” Hornacek said. “They get after guys. A guy who got the ball, they get up on him. They help each other out. First group didn’t do that.”
Unfortunately, there looks to be little escape from disaster this season either. Carmelo Anthony’s no trade clause makes his potential move improbable, Joakim Noah’s contract looks like the worst deal in the league, and Phil Jackson is still employed.
Luckily, nightmares have to end at some point. This offseason the Knicks can do so by not re-signing Derrick Rose, getting assets, and drafting well. They could also trade Carmelo for pennies, cut and absorb Noah’s contract in favor of taking a look at younger guys while also further tanking.
It is up to the Knicks to decide whether they want to wake up from this nightmare or remain fast asleep at the wheel. Jeff Hornacek will do his best to wake them up before another crash.
