Jeff Hornacek admits Knicks offense complex for new guys
By Marc Berman September 30, 2016 | 11:02pm

WEST POINT — Kristaps Porzingis called it the same old triangle offense this week during training camp, but Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek prefers another term. Half-jokingly, Hornacek said, “I think we call it something else — triangle aspects.”

Either way, Hornacek is realizing the new players — the ones who didn’t go through Phil Jackson’s offseason triangle camp — are going to learn the halfcourt set gradually.

Asked about Derrick Rose’s comment that the triangle is “a little complicated” because there’s “40 to 50 options’’ on each maneuver, the Knicks’ new coach didn’t disagree. The Knicks’ morning practice Friday was dedicated to running though more triangle principles as scrimmages were scrapped and saved for the night session. Hornacek wants the triangle only in the halfcourt as he also installs a breakneck offense early in possessions.

“It’s complicated in the sense guys have a lot of options to do, and it’s just a read,’’ said Hornacek, who defended against the triangle in the NBA Finals versus the Bulls while with the Jazz in 1997 and ’98. “That’s where the complication comes. The setup of it is not complicated. It’s a matter of those guys understanding without the ball what’s going to happen. The more they do it, the more they’ll get it. The guys from last year have seen some of this stuff, picked it up quicker, but the new guys got a lot better than yesterday. We really ran through all the different options. They’re starting to figure it out.”

For the second straight offseason, the roster turnover was significant. Only six of the 18 players in training camp were here last season: Carmelo Anthony, Porzingis, Lance Thomas, Kyle O’Quinn, Sasha Vujacic and Lou Amundson.

“I think we still have a lot of work to do,” new signee Joakim Noah said. “It takes time. You got to be patient with the process, just stay with it, and I think we’re still learning each other’s tendencies.”

Much of the coaching staff also is brand new, except for former interim head coach/triangle guru Kurt Rambis and Joshua Longstaff. Hornacek’s new assistants, Jerry Sichting, Corey Gaines and Howard Eisley, had no triangle background.

“Kurt’s been great,” said Hornacek, who got the permanent job over Rambis. “Kurt knows a lot about basketball, not just the triangle stuff.”

What next? Lee Nailon as shooting instructor?

jrodmc wrote:Howard Eiselyspoon is on staff??!????
This does not make for any good feelings.

What next? Lee Nailon as shooting instructor?

Not really funny. Nice try though.

Howard Eisley played with Hornacek and he also played with the Knicks. Horny is just bringing up a guy he knows. Good enough... that's how coaching works. They always being up their own guys.

Kristaps Porzingis called it the same old triangle offense this week during training camp . . .

We be a Triangle team . . .

Malcolm wrote:

Derrick Rose’s comment that the triangle is “a little complicated” because there’s “40 to 50 options’’ on each maneuver . . .

Well, it's a start.

I think he's slowly getting the idea . . .

CrushAlot wrote:

Malcolm wrote:

Derrick Rose’s comment that the triangle is “a little complicated” because there’s “40 to 50 options’’ on each maneuver . . .

Well, it's a start.

I think he's slowly getting the idea . . .

I think he likes the mismatches he creates in the pick and roll. He talked about how teams have to double him and that it should leave Melo or KP open. I posted his interview in another thread. He said that he has been told to push the ball and that in the playoffs or in an end of the game situation where the offense slows down they will run the triangle.

Has he been told to stay on his feet when making passes? Not sure if he can change that at this point though.