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Dolan: Hornacek's coaching style was 'way behind' the times

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New York Knicks owner James Dolan cut ties with Jeff Hornacek last week after just two seasons, but the Cablevision scion isn't finished expressing his displeasure with the ex-head coach's performance, even comparing him to much-maligned former Knicks executive Phil Jackson.

"I think Hornacek had the same kind of issue that Phil did in that he didn’t grasp how different the players are now in the way they think and deal with management and the coaches," Dolan told the New York Post's Larry Brooks on Wednesday. "I think he was way behind on that."

After his 14-season playing career wrapped up in 2000, Hornacek found himself back in the league as a special assistant with the Utah Jazz in 2007, and worked his way up the ladder to become head coach with the Phoenix Suns in 2013. Through parts of three seasons shepherding the Suns and the last two years in the Big Apple, Hornacek posted a 161-216 record.

"I think Jeff is a good coach and he'll do well when he's hired by another team," Dolan added.

The Knicks have yet to name Hornacek's successor, though there's been no shortage of suitors for the high-profile rebuilding project. Those who have been interviewed or are rumored to be potential candidates include ex-Grizzlies coach David Fizdale, ex-Knicks coach Mike Woodson, Raptors G League coach and former All-Star Jerry Stackhouse, and even TNT analyst Kenny Smith.

After vowing last summer to take a more hands-off approach with the Knicks, Dolan's been relatively quiet - a stark contrast to the previous campaign, when the 62-year-old entered a very public feud with beloved former Knick Charles Oakley at a game in February 2017.

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Dolan did say, however, there are qualities the Knicks should avoid when choosing the team's next bench boss.

"The old-style coaching doesn't work," said Dolan. "A coach who tries to do everything himself isn't going to be successful."

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