Hornets agree to multiyear extension with Steve Clifford

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hornets coach Steve Clifford agreed in principle to a multiyear contract extension Wednesday, with his team 8-6 with an overhauled roster.

Well, it seems as though the Charlotte Hornets need not fear about Steve Clifford’s potential departure, after all. Clifford has 30 years of National Basketball Association coaching experience, having spent time as an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and NY Knicks.

Clifford, who is in the final year of the contract he signed when he was hired in 2013, is now signed through the 2018-19 season. I am very appreciative to Michael (Jordan), Curtis (Polk) and Rich (Cho) to see it through.

Charlotte took a step back last season when the team went 33-49 as the Hornets, but things are on the right track to start this year. “We want some continuity and we are excited to have him locked down to an extension”.

After missing the playoffs in the three years prior to Clifford’s arrival, the then-Bobcats battled their way to a 43-39 record and a first-round playoff showdown with LeBron James’ Miami Heat.

“I was hoping it would work out”, Clifford said during Wednesday’s pregame coaches availability. Although the postseason appearance resulted in a four-game exit, the Bobcats proved to be one of the league’s toughest nightly matchups thanks to a defense that finished the season ranked fifth in defensive efficiency.