Report: Most Knicks dislike triangle offense, losing faith in Jeff Hornacek

Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said the triangle offense could attract free agents.

But Phil Jackson’s infamous scheme apparently isn’t appealing to current Knicks.

Ian Begley of ESPN:

Jackson may eventually be able to find players who excel in -- and appreciate -- the triangle. But the majority of current Knicks aren’t comfortable in -- and don’t care for -- the offense, according to sources.

The return to the triangle is one reason why several veterans have started to lose faith in Hornacek recently, sources say.

Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose have chafed at the triangle, but they – like many Knicks veterans – might not be long for New York. So, their dismay means only so much.

On the other hand, Anthony is the only player left from the team Jackson inherited, and Jackson signed Anthony to a new contract. If Jackson’s hand-chosen players are rejecting the triangle, who will embrace it? Good luck finding those free agents.

Hornacek is in a tough spot, caught between established veterans unhappy with losing and a boss forcing an unfamiliar scheme. It’s not going well, and time is not the solution here. The triangle slows the pace and leads to too many inefficient shots, and it would take an expert in the scheme and a better roster to succeed with it. That won’t be Hornacek any time soon, and hoping he can suddenly win under these conditions is just wasting time.

If Jackson insists upon the triangle, Hornacek is the wrong coach. But a far better solution than firing Hornacek in favor a better triangle coach would be just dumping the scheme and allowing Hornacek to coach how he deems best.

And building a better roster. That should be Jackson’s top priority, which can be far more easily accomplished if picking from the widest pool of players, not just those who appear to fit the triangle.