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NBA Award Watch: Another great week for the Greek Freak

By John Buhler

Nov 5, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs onto the rim after dunking for a basket in the third quarter during the game against the Sacramento Kings at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Kings 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs onto the rim after dunking for a basket in the third quarter during the game against the Sacramento Kings at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Kings 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Marco Belinelli (21) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Pacers 122-100. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Marco Belinelli (21) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Pacers 122-100. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Coach of the Year: Steve Clifford

There is a lot of great Coach of the Year candidates, but we have to go with Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets this week. Through November 8th, the Hornets were 5-1 and in second place in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte is playing outstanding defense for Clifford, arguably one of the most underrated defensive minds in the game. His Hornets are third in defensive efficiency at 97.2 and fifth in opponents’ points per game at 96.5.

Keep in mind that Clifford is doing this despite losing three key players from last season’s team in NBA free agency. Jeremy Lin signed with the Brooklyn Nets, Al Jefferson plays for the Pacers, and Courtney Lee is the fifth starter for the hardwood quagmire that is the New York Knicks.

Yes, Clifford gets back defensive dynamo Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and a strong defensive big man in Roy Hibbert, but Charlotte seems to be more than that. The Hornets might have two All-Star caliber players in point guard Kemba Walker and small forward Nicolas Batum.

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Charlotte should make the 2017 Eastern Conference Playoffs, probably advancing to at least the Eastern Conference Semifinals. If the Hornets get to the Eastern Conference Finals, Clifford needs to win Coach of the Year. He’s creating a great basketball culture in the Queen City.

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