Interestingly, Clifford wasn’t the first choice for the position this time around either. The Hornets had initially secured Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson, who later withdrew due to personal reasons. Despite not being among the initial candidates, Clifford eventually reclaimed his former role, with Kupchak humorously mentioning keeping Clifford’s apartment.
Despite the initial dismissal, Clifford maintained positive relationships with Kupchak and team owner Michael Jordan. He acknowledges the rationale behind his previous firing, given the team’s consecutive losing seasons during his tenure. In the interim, Clifford coached the Orlando Magic for three seasons, experiencing postseason success twice and feeling personally developed since his departure from Charlotte.
Now returning to a Hornets team that showed promise last season, Clifford sees potential for growth and improvement. He views the current roster as one of the most talented he’s coached in his NBA career. While Clifford’s defensive coaching prowess is well-regarded, he acknowledges the team’s need to enhance its defensive performance, particularly given its 22nd rank in the league last season.
Clifford aims to blend his defensive expertise with the Hornets’ desire for an up-tempo, fast-paced style of play, especially led by All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball. Despite the emphasis on offense, Clifford emphasizes the importance of improving defensive capabilities, aligning with Kupchak’s vision for the team’s future.
Looking ahead, the Hornets are prioritizing the re-signing of restricted free agent Miles Bridges, demonstrating confidence in their core players. Additionally, the team exercised the option on forward Jalen McDaniels’ contract, securing his services for the upcoming season.