Jeff Hornacek to Knicks: Takeaways from Coach's Introductory Press Conference

The New York Knicks formally introduced Jeff Hornacek as the team's new head coach at a press conference Friday afternoon, and the former Phoenix Suns boss explained why he's optimistic the franchise can turn a corner following three straight losing seasons.

But before Hornacek could step to the podium and break down his vision for the club, he posed for a ceremonial photo with Knicks President Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills, as documented by Newsday's Al Iannazzone: 

"I always admired his skill [and] basketball knowledge on the floor," Jackson said at the start of the press conference, according to the team's official Twitter account. 

NBA TV on Twitter shared video of Hornacek's opening statement: 

When it came time to dissect how the team's offense will operate under his tutelage, Hornacek didn't shy away from embracing triangle tactics even though he's not a member of Jackson's coaching tree, according to the Wall Street Journal's Chris Herring: 

In a more definitive statement, Hornacek told reporters the triangle "will be part of our offense," per the New York Daily News' Frank Isola.  

Iannazzone provided an overview of Hornacek's general sentiment about the team's preferred style of play in the half court: 

ESPN.com's Ian Begley also noted Hornacek talked about implementing pieces of the offense he ran with the Suns, including "quick pace" and "significant [pick-and-roll] usage." Furthermore, Hornacek said he would like his players to play "hard-nosed defense" so they can get out in transition, according to Iannazzone. 

As for the team's overarching goals, Hornacek made it clear the team has one big priority during his first year on the bench, per the team's Twitter account:  

With that objective in mind, Hornacek has his work cut out for him. The Knicks are coming off two dismal seasons under the leadership of Derek Fisher and Kurt Rambis, and the team doesn't currently own a pick in June's draft that could be used to help stockpile the roster with young, upside-laden talent. 

Additionally, Hornacek will need to overhaul the team's offense if he hopes to turn a corner. The Knicks ranked 24th in offensive efficiency this year, and they have played at one of the league's slowest paces over the past two seasons. Specifically, New York ranked 28th and 26th, respectively, in possessions generated per 48 minutes during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. 

Conversely, Hornacek's teams in Phoenix during his first two full seasons at the helm ranked eighth and third in pace. 

Modernizing the Knicks offense won't be easy, but Hornacek has talented pieces to work with, as he told reporters Friday, per NBA TV:

With regard to Kristaps Porzingis' role, Hornacek indicated he plans to feature the first-team All-Rookie selection next year. According to Iannazzone, Hornacek said he'd like to use Porzingis in high pick-and-rolls, post-up situations and fades to the corner for three. 

"Why can't he be a top-5 player in this league?" Hornacek asked, per Begley. "Why can't he be the top player in this league?"

Although the Knicks will be under the microscope throughout Hornacek's first year in charge as he seeks to wash away the memories of losing seasons, he ultimately sounded enthusiastic about the opportunity. 

"If you want to win, there is no better place than New York," he said, per the Knicks' Twitter account. 

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.