Steve Clifford has reached an agreement to become the Charlotte HornetsThe team announced Friday that the ‘coach’ will be returning to the job for the second time.
Clifford, the man who guided the franchise to two playoff appearances during a five-year span that ended with 2018, returns to the team. Golden State Assistant Kenny Atkinson decided to change his mind about accepting the Charlotte job, and instead decided to stay with the Warriors.
Clifford had a strong working relationship to Michael Jordan, Hornets owner. His coaching style matched the expectations of Jordan and Mitch Kupchak. A coach who could improve their defensive play and make them a playoff team. Clifford is well-respected by his colleagues and respected for his ability to maximize the talent on his rosters, both in Charlotte and elsewhere. Orlando.
Kupchak stated in a release that “we believe that his past experience and coaching philosophy make them the best coaches for our team.” He has a track record of improving defenses, and is detail-oriented. His track record includes maximising players’ talents and helping them develop their skills. Steve is determined to continue playing at the same offensive pace our fans are used to over the last few seasons. We trust that he will help our young players as they grow and take the next steps as a group.
Recent days saw Clifford meet with management and owners, and momentum quickly developed around his candidacy to return. Sources say that this was because of the strong support he received from them.
Sources say that Mike D’Antoni, a Jordan interviewee, was also considered by the Hornets.
Clifford, long considered to be one of the NBA’s best defensive coaches, will be responsible for improving the court for Charlotte. The team has been among the worst 10 in the NBA in defensive rating the past four seasons. This includes ranking 23rd in 2021-22.
Charlotte’s defense was ranked in the top 10 three times during his five seasons with Hornets. His defenses placed eighth and 11th during his two seasons as Magic coach.
Charlotte was eighth in the NBA’s offense rankings last season. She has plenty of firepower between All-Star guards at that end of court. LaMelo BallForwarding restricted agent free Miles BridgesGuard Terry Rozier Forward Gordon HaywardAmong others.
Clifford said, “This is an exciting young group with a lot talent,” “Charlotte’s a wonderful city and I have seen first-hand the passion Hornets fans have about this franchise. I cannot wait for the opportunity to go back to Charlotte to work with our players.”
Clifford and Atkinson have been reunited since the team originally agreed to a deal for James Borrego to be replaced in April.
Clifford, 60 years old, was a 196-214 player in five seasons of his first stint as a Hornets’ assistant. This led to the Hornets’ best record since 2004 when they were an expansion team and went 48-34 in 2016. The Hornets lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. Miami Heat That year, seven games were played.
In the 18 years since its return to the league, he led Charlotte to two playoff appearances. Clifford’s 196 wins rank second in franchise history, behind Allan Bristow (who coached the team in early and mid-90s). Clifford and Bristow are tied for the most franchise-related games coached.
After Clifford’s 2018 firing by Charlotte, he was hired by the Magic a few months later. He coached for three seasons with the Magic — including back-toback playoff appearances in his second season — before being fired by them. Both sides parted ways in 2020-21 after a 21-61 campaign. This past season, he was a consultant for Steve Nash. Brooklyn Nets.
Clifford started his coaching career at Northeast colleges. He then became an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, Houston RocketsMagic and Los Angeles Lakers Before he was hired by the Hornets as his first head coach job in 2013,
Clifford’s agreement to coach the Hornets makes it one team: the Utah Jazz After Quin Snyder, long-time coach, stepped down earlier this month, the team is without a head coach for next year.
This report was contributed by Tim Bontemps, ESPN.