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Charlotte Hornets show consistency with Clifford extension

By Rucker Haringey

Oct 20, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Kemba Walker (15) during a time out in their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Kemba Walker (15) during a time out in their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets have rewarded head coach Steve Clifford with a three-year contract extension

Consistency hasn’t been a buzzword associated with the Charlotte Hornets very often. That might be changing as demonstrated by the team’s decision to give head coach Steve Clifford a three-year contract extension. The extension comes despite Clifford’s overall record with the Hornets being ten games under .500.

Clifford’s sub-.500 record doesn’t tell much of his story though. He’s shepherded the Hornets through significant changes in just three seasons. They’ve gone from a defensive-minded, post-driven offense his first year to a three-point machine in year three. Clifford has shown a rare ability to completely alter styles in a short amount of time based on changing personnel. This flexibility is why the Hornets are locking him up.

The team is off to an 8-6 start this year to the surprise of many around the NBA. They’ve done so without Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, arguably the team’s most important player, who is out for the season due to injury. Instead Clifford is relying on Kemba Walker, Al Jefferson and new acquisition Nicolas Batum to lead the way. Each is having a terrific season under the innovative head coach.

In sharp contrast to the Houston Rockets, who fired Kevin McHale after just 11 games, the Hornets are reaping the benefits of sticking with their coach through tough times. Clifford went 33-49 with the team last year and finished the year 28th in NBA in points per game. This year, he’s changed his team’s offense completely. The Hornets currently rank 4th in Offensive Rating and 5th in points per game. It just shows you that a quality coach, when given time, can figure things out.

Three years is an eternity in the NBA and of course, it’s unknown if Clifford will last that long in Charlotte even with a guaranteed contract. Still, the Hornets should be commended for placing value on continuity and believing in their vision.

Most teams would have fired Clifford last year in the midst of a poor season, but the Hornets saw past the short-term losses for the long-term gains. We will see if Clifford can repay them by taking the Hornets back to the Playoffs.

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