National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek Identifies Problems With Defense

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek believes that the problem with the defense is that the players aren’t following the scouting reports.

Entering the 2016-17 NBA regular season, nothing excited New York Knicks fans more than the potential for elite defense. In a city as tough as New York, there’s nothing more appealing to Knicks fans than teams that play hard and get physical.

Through four games, however, the Knicks’ defense has ranked amongst the weakest in the NBA.

New York is currently allowing 108.6 points per 100 possessions through four games in 2016-17. That ranks No. 26 in the Association and comes with the reality that it’s also No. 27 in points scored per 100 possessions.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, head coach Jeff Hornacek believes that the issues with the defense are a result of the players not following the coaches’ scouting reports.

That sounds a bit like trouble in paradise, but it may still be too early to panic.

Courtney Lee recently suggested that the Knicks should change the way they plan their practices. It’s of Lee’s belief that New York would be better off practicing against something other than the triangle offense.

Starting center Joakim Noah does’t believe that it’s the coaching staff’s fault that New York has struggled on defense.

It’s hard to win a game when the rebounding battle is lost by a count of 54-34 overall and 19-7 on the offensive glass.

The Knicks have built a roster with three players with elite defensive capabilities in Courtney Lee, Joakim Noah, and Kristaps Porzingis. Carmelo Anthony has improved his effort, as well, and the second unit has a pair of high-quality defenders in Justin Holiday and Lance Thomas.

The results haven’t displayed the potential of the personnel, however, and that cannot be overlooked or ignored.

Hornacek believes that it’s all a matter of identifying the flaws before they become an issue.

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