Phil has some quirks even as a coach. Read his books.
One is that one player cannot be bigger than the team. I
Good teams know their identity. When one player is bigger than the team it becomes a problem. Melo is likely not the alpha we need, and in his defense Knicks have not been talented around him either. Derrick Rose thru his agent should have known what Phil wanted and perhaps Drose anger is also directed toward himself. He cannot figure or respond instinctively to what Hornacek want and is under immense pressure to perform. Financially he might have some big problems if he does not bring in a mega contract. The friday Awol rumor after the allstar break seems weird. After not being traded Rose's head might be spinning a bit.
Its a big disappointment that he has been healthy but has not adhered to the system. He is an elite talent.
I don't think we should let the players run the system year to year based on the talent. I Think Phil sees Lebron's "posse" as running the franchise and he does not want to see that happen with Knicks.
We did this way too much in our history. I love Ewing, but when you empower a guy like we did with him you end up with a bad ending.
With Melo, I can see him having a smaller role on the team going forward. Its up to him if he wants to stay. With Rose, we tried to move him but Minny backed away.
The team is bigger than one player. That alone is a huge leap forward for this franchise.