Abby Hornacek, the “proud” daughter of just-fired former New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek, took to Instagram Thursday to post a heartfelt tribute to her father in the wake of his dismissal.
In the post, Abby points out the tireless work her father put in behind the scenes in an effort to turn the Knicks into a winner.
“I am so proud of this guy for everything he accomplished over the last couple of seasons,” Abby writes in her tribute. “A lot of people only saw what he did on the court, but we saw all of the 4am nights watching game film and the way he poured everything he had into this team. It’s the same way he pours everything he has into our family.
“My brother said it best…We get asked all the time who our ‘team is.’ The Knicks? Jazz? Suns? It doesn’t matter because I’m team Hornacek and while people can only call him “Coach,” I get to call him “Dad.” I know wherever he lands next is going to be lucky to have him. On to the next adventure!”
Hornacek posted a 60-104 record during his two-year stint coaching the Knicks, although he’s not entirely to blame given the dysfunctional mess he encountered upon his arrival. These issues were exacerbated this season when superstar Kristaps Porzingis was limited to only 48 games due to a torn ACL.
And despite his best efforts to prove he earned the right to return next season, the Knicks thought otherwise — not surprisingly — and opted to head in a different direction, with the hammer coming down Thursday.
While Hornacek presumably is disappointed by being let go, it’s clear he can lean on his family in the immediate aftermath of the career setback.
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