NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 16: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 108-107. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

New York Knicks: 5 players for Tim Hardaway Jr. to study by Maxwell Ogden

Jeff Hornacek didn’t exactly get his chance to be the head coach of the New York Knicks in 2016-17. This upcoming season will be his only real shot.

Last season, the working theory was that New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek was being undermined by former team president Phil Jackson. Hornacek didn’t get to implement the system that many believed he wanted to run, which set the tone for the 2016-17 campaign.

Hornacek ran an uptempo system with the Phoenix Suns, and had limited familiarity with the triangle offense. Thankfully, Hornacek will be able to put his fingerprints all over the Knicks’ offense in 2017-18.

Unfortunately, if things don’t seem to be heading in the right direction, he will be gone.

How long will Jeff Hornacek last as the #Knicks head coach? — James O'Connell (@OConnellJamesNY) September 5, 2017

Hornacek’s success shouldn’t be weighed by wins and losses; it should be weighed by the means of development. The progression of the Knicks’ core players—Kristaps Porzingis, Frank Ntilikina, and Willy Hernangomez—will dictate Hornacek’s future in New York.

With recent rumors of the Knicks coach being a major reason why Porzingis skipped his exit meeting, Hornacek is already walking on egg shells.

Playing to the wrong side of KP is dangerous, as Phil Jackson learned this offseason.

Nevertheless, Hornacek will have an opportunity in 2017-18 to prove that he should be in New York for the long haul. He must build successful relationships with the proper players and executives, and mentor the up-and-coming contributors on the roster.

As previously alluded to, basing Hornacek’s success off of wins and losses would be just about as unfair as blaming him for last season’s failures.

It’s no secret that the Knicks aren’t a championship or playoff contender, but that doesn’t mean progress can’t be made.

Going into this season, New York Knicks fans aren’t expecting big things, which is relatively rare. Thus, a golden opportunity is staring Hornacek right in his face.

Develop the young players, build healthy relationships, and he will be here for the long term. Only time will tell if Hornacek will succeed in doing so..