Phil Jackson Upset By Knicks Infrequently Running Triangle Sets

Phil Jackson Upset By Knicks Infrequently Running Triangle Sets



NOV 8, 2016 10:26 AM


Phil Jackson has been upset with the infrequency in which the New York Knicks are running the triangle offense to begin the 16-17 season during their 2-4 start.

Jeff Hornacek has tried to speed up the offense this season and hasn't run much of the triangle in the first six games.

One scout who watched the Knicks' win against the Bulls said the Knicks ran something out of a triangle set only a handful of times.

Players say that they've run the triangle offense primarily after dead balls so far this season, which is much less frequently than it was run during Jackson's first two full seasons as team president.

The Knicks rank 13th in offense while ranking last on defense.

Jackson noted last month that today's players may not be suited to run the triangle.

"How do you teach a system that requires so many fundamental skills to players that really haven't been taught some of that basic stuff?" Jackson said on The Big Podcast with Shaquille O'Neal. "Footwork and passing and all those rudiment type of skills that are learned that have been, that have changed over a few years? It's a different game.

"I solicited Jeff because Jeff came from a system, Utah had a nice system, and he wanted to accelerate the game and play at the pace that's kind of, present ballplayers like to play at. And yet, find a way to try and incorporate [a system to space the floor in the half-court offense]. It's got to be done in a way in which it doesn't slow the game down but actually accentuates what they're trying to do."




bob
MY NOTE:  In the top half of the league in offense and dead-freaking-last on defense and he's frustrated with the type of offense the Knicks are running?  Boy, would Sam be having a field day with this...


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Perhaps he feels that the offense has the potential to be up graded more than the defense does.

swish