LISTEN: NBA Writer Tells WFAN Jeff Hornacek Comes To Knicks With 'Some Baggage'
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Ira Winderman, who covers the Miami Heat for the Sun-Sentinel, appeared as a guest on Mike Francesa's show Thursday and gave his opinion on the Knicks reportedly hiring Jeff Hornacek as their new head coach.
"I'm shocked based on the market he's going into, based on the issues, the real issues they had on their bench (when Hornacek coached the Phoenix Suns) with the Morris brothers and how ugly that ended with Goran Dragic basically demanding to be dealt from the team," Winderman said.
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"Jeff started off very well, but you know there's always chemistry issues and sort of ancillary issues. So I'm surprised the way it turned out for Jeff, that they would go with a coach like that, who seemingly arrives with some baggage when it comes to player relations."
As for summing up Hornacek's style, Winderman said: "Offensive-minded coach. Wants to get up early 3-pointers, try to really inject life and vitality into the Suns. So I think offensively, if he's allowed to free himself from the shackles of the triangle, I think you'll see a much more up-tempo approach. I think Carmelo (Anthony) will love it. I think (Kristaps) Porzingis will fit into it just fine."
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Winderman also discussed why he thinks keeping Kurt Rambis on the staff is a bad idea, developments with other NBA coaching vacancies, Chris Bosh's health and the playoffs. To listen to the full interview, click on the audio player above.
