What to expect from coach Steve Clifford’s return to the Charlotte Hornets’ helm?
Steve Clifford has decided to return to the Charlotte Hornets as a coach for a second time, the organization announced earlier on Friday. Clifford, who led the organization to two playoff berths during a five-year reign that ended in 2018, returns after Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson decided against accepting the Charlotte position and instead opted to stay with the Warriors.
Clifford has long had a good working relationship with Hornets owner Michael Jordan, and he matched the mould of what Jordan and general manager Mitch Kupchak sought for this growing, youthful roster: a coach who could enhance their defence and turn them into a playoff team. Coach Steve Clifford is also well-liked among his colleagues for his ability to maximize the talent on his squads in both Charlotte and Orlando.
ESPN Sources: Steve Clifford has agreed to a deal to return as the Charlotte Hornets’ coach. Clifford, one of league’s most respected coaches among his peers, led Hornets to two playoff trips in a five-year run that ended in 2018.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2022
“We think that his prior expertise and coaching approach make him the greatest coach for our squad,” stated Kupchak in a statement. “Steve is detail-oriented and has a demonstrated track record of upgrading defences. He has a track record of developing and expanding players’ skill sets and maximizing their abilities. Steve is dedicated to maintaining the same attacking pace that our supporters have come to expect in recent years. We are optimistic that he’ll be able to assist our young players in growing as we prepare to take a step up as a club.”
Clifford spoke with management and ownership in recent days, and momentum swiftly grew in support of his bid to return, according to sources. According to insiders, the Hornets also contemplated Mike D’Antoni, who just interviewed with Jordan.
How the Hornets are expected to fare following Steve Clifford’s return?
Steve Clifford, long regarded as one of the NBA’s finest defensive coaches, will be entrusted with boosting that side of the field for a Charlotte club that has been in the bottom ten in defensive efficiency three of the last four seasons, including 23rd in the 2021-22 season.

Charlotte’s defense finished in the top ten three times during his 5 seasons with the Hornets. In 2 of his 3 seasons as Magic coach, his defenses finished ninth and eleventh. Charlotte had the NBA’s eighth-ranked offense last season and has plenty of firepower at that end of the floor with All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, limited free-agent forward Miles Bridges, guard Terry Rozier, and big Gordon Hayward, among others.
Clifford described the club as “an intriguing youthful group with a lot of quality components.” “Charlotte is a fantastic city, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the devotion that Hornets supporters have for their team. I’m excited to return to town and begin working with our guys.” Clifford’s comeback with the Hornets comes after the franchise agreed to an agreement with Atkinson to remove James Borrego, who was dismissed in April following 4 seasons.
More NBA news:
-
How many NBA rings does Steph Curry have in comparison to Michael Jordan?
-
Steph Curry savagely trolls Kendrick Perkins for doubting Warriors winning another NBA Championship
Follow our NBA page for more key NBA updates and news