Head coach Jeff Hornacek appointed Kurt Rambis to be in charge of the New York Knicks defense. The Knicks ranked last in the entire NBA teams in term of defensive efficiency and something needs to be done.
Hornacek select the option to unofficially promote Rambis to the role of leading the defense, according to report by FOX Sports. Although the appointment may not fit Rambis, whose specialty is in the triangle offense, but that does not concern Hornacek. He has more interest in the unity of strategy in his coaching team.
“We’ve had all the coaches do their own game in terms of what we want,”Hornacek said. ”I just felt that we’re probably better off with just one voice, so with Kurt, we are going to have him be the voice on the defense,”
Upon his appointment as defensive coordinator, Rambis made one clear change, as reported by SLAM Online. He decideds to restrict the switching on pick and rolls.
Currently, Knicks ranked last in the NBA for defensive efficiency with 114.5 points per 100 possessions. Hornacek expect Rambis will be able to change that. The instant result came Wednesday as the Knicks defeated Brooklyn Nets 110-96. But the real test may come this Friday as they come to TD Garden, Boston to meet the Celtics.
Recently Knicks president Phil Jackson is reported to be frustrated with the Knicks offense that deviate from his triangle offense philosophy. Meanwhile head coach, Hornacek incorporates the element of triangle offense mostly in half court situation. While in the transition, he instructed his players to made a quick score, which mostly done with the pick and rolls.
Most players in the Knicks are not familiar with the fundamental of triangle offense which require footwork and passing. Therefore they are hesitant to use triangle offense. Hornacek decides to address the defensive issue first by appointing Rambis as defensive coordinator.
Watch how Jackson and Hornacek discussed about Rambis future with the Knicks earlier this year: