Jeff Hornacek

Professional basketball player, former head coach of New York Knicks

What is Jeff Hornacek known for?

Jeff Hornacek, born on May 3, 1963, in Elmhurst, Illinois, is a renowned figure in the realm of basketball. A celebrated athlete and coach, Hornacek is best remembered for his agility, skill, and leadership both on and off the court. He attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois before moving on to play for Iowa State University from 1982 to 1986.

As a player, Hornacek's career spanned from 1986 to 2000, during which he played for the Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz. He was selected in the 2nd round of the 1986 NBA draft with the 46th overall pick and left an unforgettable mark in the NBA. Standing 6 ft 4 in tall and weighing 190 lb, he was an invaluable asset to his teams, primarily in the role of a shooting guard or point guard.

In terms of statistics, Hornacek scored 15,659 points, claimed 3,646 rebounds, and made 5,281 assists during his active playing years. These numbers highlight Hornacek's balanced contribution to the game, excelling both offensively and defensively. Detailed game-by-game numbers can be found at NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com.

Hornacek's remarkable performance earned him multiple accolades, including an NBA All-Star title in 1992 and two-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion in 1998 and 2000. His jersey, number 14, was retired by both the Utah Jazz and Iowa State Cyclones in an honor of his exceptional contributions.

Apart from his playing career, Hornacek also held various coaching roles. He served as an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz from 2011 to 2013 and the Houston Rockets from 2020 to 2022. He took on the mantle as head coach for the Phoenix Suns from 2013 to 2016 and later for the New York Knicks from 2016 to 2018. He is currently a coaching consultant for the Utah Jazz.

Beyond his achievements, Hornacek's basketball career is also a testament to his sheer determination and passion. From his time as a walk-on player at Iowa State University to his journey in the NBA and his transition into coaching, Hornacek's commitment to the sport is truly inspiring.