Knicks Fire Coach Jeff Hornacek

When Phil Jackson hired Jeff Hornacek as coach of the Knicks two years ago, he had visions of pairing Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis on a playoff team. But with the Knicks, such visions quickly become delusions as reality sets in. The games are played, the off-court craziness ensues, the team starts its summer break early and news conferences are scheduled to announce the latest round of firings.

Indeed, circumstances changed dramatically over Hornacek’s two turbulent, losing seasons. Jackson, who was the president, has since departed for his Montana home, Anthony was traded to the Thunder and now Hornacek is leaving too, after the Knicks announced early Thursday morning that they had fired him. (The news conference was scheduled for noon.)

Kurt Rambis, the associate head coach, was also dismissed, the Knicks said in a statement from the team president, Steve Mills, and the general manager, Scott Perry.