LeBron James has darted shots on New York ever since stepping foot in the MTA subway along with his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates, and he sniped one last shot before making his exit after a 104-101 comeback win on Monday — aiming for his favorite target — Phil Jackson.
“I think Jeff, the coach, Jeff Hornacek is finally (smiles), with the release of the old fella,” said James, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. “He’s finally allowed to implement what he wants to do on the team and he’s showing it’s very effective.”
Jackson's manipulation, whether it was through persuasion or through his connections in the media, has always been a cause of caution. The Knicks had gone back-and-forth with the implementation of the now-defunct triangle offense through those he placed in power, be it Hornacek or assistant Kurt Rambis.
The Knicks are now free of the Zen Master and Jeff Hornacek can plan according to the strengths of his team. As the Knicks get younger after the Carmelo Anthony trade and this past NBA Draft, running the system through their 7-foot-3 unicorn has panned out just fine, along with slowly incorporating young pieces like Frank Ntilikina.
LeBron James will say anything that will sting Phil Jackson now that he's away from the game. But there is truth in those words, and Hornacek is finally able to thrive without the lingering pressure of the man that gave him the job.
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