Charlotte Hornets: 5 Best Decisions Of 2015
By Jon Shames
2. Extending Steve Clifford
Even though fans had been calling for his head throughout all of last season, Steve Clifford retained the confidence of the Hornets’ management and kept his job, despite missing the playoffs in 2015. Seemingly, the front office understood that his roster — not Clifford himself — was the issue. That hypothesis has held true.
After leading the Hornets to an 8-6 record to start the year, famed defensive mastermind Clifford was extended by management for three seasons on Dec. 2. Clifford was heavily criticized by Charlotte-faithful last season for his basic (and subsequently ineffective) offensive sets, but with floor spacers and a legitimate playmaker in Nicolas Batum, Clifford’s attack has vaulted itself to ninth in offensive rating, tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What’s more is that even with this unprecedented offensive focus for the Charlotte Hornets, their defense hasn’t dropped off. Charlotte is seventh in defensive efficiency, allowing just 99.3 points per 100 possessions. Clifford has turned this club into an elite two-way team, and the city of Charlotte should consider itself lucky to have Clifford locked up for three more seasons after this one.
Next: Bringing In Batum