Report: The New York Knicks part ways with coach Jeff Hornacek

What's the story?

The New York Knicks have relieved Jeff Hornacek from his duties as the head coach.

In case you didn't know...

Hornacek was hired by then-team president Phil Jackson and then-GM Mills prior to the 2016-17 season.In his first season with the New York Knicks, Jackson requested to blend elements of the triangle offense with what the coach preferred to run. This combination created all sorts of problems for the Knicks all season long as they ended up finishing the season with 18th rank in offensive rating.

The heart of the matter...

Knicks president Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry informed Jeff Hornacek of his firing early Thursday morning as the team was returning to New York from a 108-95 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kurt Rambis, the associate head coach under Hornacek, was also dismissed.

The Knicks have made what is expected to be first of the several coaching changes this offseason and have joined teams like Milwaukee, Phoenix, and Memphis in the market. The Knicks are determined to stay on the course of drafting and player development as they await the return of their All-Star center Kristaps Porzingis, who is recovering from a torn ACL and isn't expected to return until midway through next season.

The Knicks are seriously aiming the free agent market in the summer of 2019 when they will have significant salary-cap space and Porzingis back to full strength. In this competitive market, the glamour of Madison Square Garden coupled with the resources and willingness to pay a lot in terms of coaching salary gives New York a distinct advantage in recruiting available candidates.

What's next?

Former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale, former Cavaliers coach David Blatt, who is now coaching in Turkey and former Warriors coach Mark Jackson is among the top candidates for the position of head coach, according to ESPN league sources.

Author's take

Jeff Hornacek and the New York Knicks were impressive at the start of the season but haven't been able to accomplish much as the season has progressed, especially after Kristaps Porzingis went down with an injury. The Knicks now have a chance to try their luck in the free market with a brand new head coach and try to end their playoff drought.