When it comes to the Utah Jazz in the Jordan era, most fans may immediately think of Malone and Stockton . " Utah Shuangsha " can be said to be the most tragic superstar of that era. However, the Jazz back then had more than just the "Utah Twins." There was also a player who also played an important role after 1994. This person was former Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek. One of the "Utah Iron Triangle".
No one paid attention to him after graduating from college. After being selected, he still went around for interviews.
From 1982 to 1986, Hornacek represented the Iowa State University Cyclones in the NCAA. Although he performed well in school, no one paid attention to him after graduation. During that period, Hornacek went to many companies to interview for accounting jobs. At that time, he just wanted to get a stable income. In the end, his father helped him. After many twists and turns, Hornacek participated in the draft and was selected by the Suns with the 46th overall pick in the second round that year. Interestingly, even though Hornacek had already been selected and signed a contract, he continued to interview for accounting jobs because his contract was not guaranteed. He prepared for the worst and was laid off for a few months. Then go back to work as an accountant.
reached the first peak of his career with the Suns.
Hornacek was a little reserved in his rookie season, but his performance still allowed him to stay in NBA. If the Suns had waived him that year, it would have been a huge blow to the NBA. Loss. Starting from his second season, Hornacek grew rapidly in the Suns, and then smoothly helped the Suns reach the Western Conference Finals. In the 1991-92 season, Hornacek reached the first peak of his career. That year, the Suns won 53 wins and 29 losses, and he averaged five statistics: scoring, steals, playing time, free throw rate and three-point field goal percentage. Ranked first on the team and was selected to the NBA's Western Conference All-Star team that season. Unfortunately, the Suns lost to the Trail Blazers in the second round of the playoffs that year. After the playoffs, Hornacek became the Suns' bargaining chip to introduce Barkley.
76ers stayed dormant for a short period of time and finally Jazz ushered in an explosion
After leaving the Suns, Hornacek briefly played for the 76ers for two years. Although the 76ers had a dismal record at the time, it did not affect his personal performance at all. After many twists and turns, Hornacek finally came to the Jazz, and since then he has ushered in another peak of his career. During his time with the Jazz, the backcourt combination between him and Stockton was considered one of the best backcourt combinations of that era. Coupled with Malone's intimidation in the interior, if Jordan hadn't been too arrogant back then, maybe Huo Huo would have Nasek can follow Malone and Stockton and become famous in the Jazz. During his time with the Jazz, Hornacek averaged more than double digits in points per game, and his three-point shooting percentage was less than 40% in only one season. He ranked among the top two on the team in scoring all year round. "He plays very smart and is another excellent passer and shooter on our team. I am very proud of him. He has made outstanding contributions to our collective and he fully deserves this honor." Jazz Merit Coach Sloan said this about him.
Two teams retired his jersey. His coaching career was not successful.
After losing to the Trail Blazers in the 2000 playoffs, Hornacek announced his retirement, bidding farewell to his 14-year basketball career. Over the past 14 years, Hornacek has averaged 14.5 points per game and has shot over 40% from three-point range in his career. Two-time All-Star Weekend three-point champion, these statistics are not dazzling, but for a person who almost gave up basketball because of being ignored, his experience is inspiring enough. The Suns and Jazz teams he once played for both retired his jerseys, which is also a tribute to his playing career. After retiring, Hornacek served as the head coach of the Suns and Knicks . However, his record was hardly ideal, which may also be a relative failure in his basketball career. Many people also say that if Hornacek had been born in this era, maybe he would have become a player at another level. But what I want to ask is, are there still many people who were born at the wrong time in the NBA world? (The big leftover from the Sun family)
