Ranking the best available NBA head coaching candidates

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates after the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 06: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3. Steve Clifford

Clifford’s run with the Charlotte Hornets didn’t end on a good note, but he experienced a fair amount of success in the Queen City. He was able to turn a pretty flawed roster into a respectable playoff team for several seasons.

Teams evaluating Clifford should pay close attention to how he developed Kemba Walker into a legitimate superstar. Young point guards in the league could really benefit from Clifford’s ability to develop their game. There aren’t many players who’ve come as far as Walker has over the last several seasons.

Another intriguing fact about Clifford is that he doesn’t appear to be wedded to a particular style of play. He molded the Charlotte philosophy on an annual basis to fit the talent he was given. Some might view that as being indecisive, but it could be a big selling point to a team whose roster is likely going to be in flux.

It won’t be a big surprise if Clifford decides to wait for the right opening. He’s made plenty of money in Charlotte and he can afford to be choosy. He’ll want to make sure his next coaching opportunity is with a team that has a roster headed in the right direction.

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