Twitter reaction to the Suns firing Jeff Hornacek
Feb 1, 2016, 8:54 AM | Updated: 9:40 am
Phoenix Suns' Archie Goodwin (20) takes instruction from head coach Jeff Hornacek during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The early morning announcement of Jeff Hornacek’s firing by the Phoenix Suns has generated mixed reactions, despite the team’s 14-35 record.
Suns fans have expressed concern on how higher management is directing this team.
Bad break for Jeff, @Suns ownership not committed to winning. Bad contracts & even worse players. @AZSports https://t.co/A6hbNTFauR
— Steve Kirk (@PhxFanKirk) February 1, 2016
“Bad break” might be an understatement for a coach that took a supposedly rebuilding franchise 48-34 his first season and finished second in the NBA Coach of the Year award.
Since then however, the Suns have gone 53-78.
Phoenix has been without their star backcourt of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight. Bledsoe suffered a torn meniscus on Dec. 26 against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Knight has been sidelined with a groin sprain since Jan. 20.
Over their last 21 games the Suns are 2-19 with a -13.3 PPG differential, both last in the NBA since Dec. 20: pic.twitter.com/XsszLk37Pe
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 1, 2016
Knight has missed almost half PHX's games since the assistant coach purge, along w Bledsoe. Did Suns expect to win w/o both?
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 1, 2016
The Suns may have expected to at least be competitive without the two Kentucky guards, but given how the rest of the roster was constructed, many view Hornacek’s firing as a mercy for the coach.
Sad to see @Suns fire Jeff but at least he won't have to coach this terrible roster anymore @Burnsy987 @Gambo987
— Dan (@hardfour86) February 1, 2016
I like Hornacek but for his sake this has to be a relief
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 1, 2016
It might be a relief for Hornacek to get out of this situation, but it doesn’t change the fact that this franchise is in shambles.
“Fan favorite” Markieff Morris remains on the team, despite countless outcries to rid the team of that headache. Morris has been completely detached from the team since his brother Marcus was traded to the Detroit Pistons, and remains the center of an assault case.
The fact that Markieff Morris outlasted Jeff Hornacek is hard to wrap my brain around.
— Dave Burns (@Burnsy987) February 1, 2016
The Suns have tried to avoid the rebuilding process for years and it might have cost them now more than ever. Phoenix is tied for the second-worst record in the Western Conference and has lost 14 straight road games. The team is starting to look similar to another deteriorating sports franchise.
Hearing @maxstarks78 compare the @Suns to the @Browns makes me want to puke. Probably because he's right @DougandWolf987
— Michael Twitchell (@baccachewwy) February 1, 2016
The Suns start a seven-game homestead against the Toronto Raptors Tuesday night.
