The Charlotte Hornets head coach, Steve Clifford, has announced his resignation from his position at the end of the season. Clifford has a record of 241-326, and with only ten more games remaining in his tenure, it’s natural to reflect on his time as the head coach of the Hornets. Clifford’s return confused fans as James Borrego was hired to create a culture of winning basketball for the team. As the Hornets aim to regain respectability, it’s worth exploring the reasons behind Steve Clifford’s failure in Charlotte. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the candidates who could take over the team and bring them back to their former glory. Let’s dive into this topic and analyze the critical factors that could impact the Hornets’ future.
Mixed Bag.
Clifford coached the Hornets for five years, during which they had an excellent defensive record. However, Golden State’s offensive style changed how basketball teams played and impacted Clifford’s defensive performance, causing the Hornets to fall from the top 10 in defense to the middle of the pack. On the offensive front, the Hornets improved significantly from one of the worst to the middle of the pack from 2015 to 2018. Being the middle-of-the-pack team wasn’t enough for Hornets management, and they let him go after the 2017-18 for James Borrego.
The Game Surpassed His Coaching Philosophies.
Upon Clifford’s return, there was a tangible hope that the Hornets would reclaim their former defensive prowess. However, the team’s performance has fallen short of these anticipated standards. In the 2022-2023 season, the Hornets ranked a disappointing 20th in the league, and their current season performance is even more disheartening, with a second-to-last ranking. Offensively, the Hornets were at the bottom of the league regarding offensive rating during Clifford’s two seasons and this year; they are currently ranked 28th. While Clifford’s coaching philosophies have proven valuable in the past, the evolving nature of the game has presented new challenges, making it difficult to maintain the same level of success. Recognizing Clifford’s uphill battle to adapt to these changes is essential.
Set Up For Failure.
When Clifford was re-hired as the coach, the expectation was for the Hornets to return to defensive respectability. With offensive talent, such as LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier, and P.J. Washington, the Hornets could finally balance out with Clifford’s defensive teaching. That wasn’t the case, as the Hornets became the worst defensive team in the league and were terrible offensively. Much of this can be a testament to not having LaMelo Ball on the floor, as he’s often injured, but I genuinely believe their relationship was strained.
In Conclusion…
Steve Clifford’s transition to the front office could be a turning point for the Hornets. The team needs a leader who can instill toughness and a competitive spirit in the players and guide them to perform at their best night-to-night. With his deep understanding of the team’s dynamics, I believe Clifford will provide invaluable analysis of the roster and assist the decision-makers in making the best moves for the team’s interest. This change could herald a new era of success for the Hornets.
West Coast Hoops 