bhussey

Second-Winningest Coach In Franchise History Returns To Charlotte Bench

June 24, 2022 – Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations &amp; General Manager Mitch Kupchak announced today the team has named Steve Clifford head coach. Clifford, who previously served the team’s head coach from 2013-2018, returns to Charlotte, where his 196 wins ranks second in franchise history, sitting just 11 behind Allan Bristow.

“We are pleased to welcome Steve back to our franchise,” said Kupchak. “We believe that his previous experience and coaching philosophy make him the best coach for our team. Steve has a proven track record of improving defenses and is detail oriented. He has a history of maximizing players’ talent and working with them to develop and expand their skill sets. Steve is committed to playing with the same offensive pace that our fans are accustomed to seeing the last few years. We are confident that he will be able to help our young players continue to grow as we look to take the next step as a team.”

Clifford has more than 20 years of NBA coaching experience and more than 35 years overall, including eight seasons as a head coach with the Hornets (2013-2018) and Orlando Magic (2018-2021). He spent the 2021-22 season as a consultant for the Brooklyn Nets and Head Coach Steve Nash. Clifford has a career record of 292-345 as a head coach, including a 196-214 mark in his previous five seasons in Charlotte. His teams have made the playoffs in four of his eight seasons and finished in the top 10 in both points allowed and defensive rating on five occasions.

“I’m happy to be returning to Charlotte, and I want to thank Michael Jordan, Mitch Kupchak and Buzz Peterson for this opportunity,” said Clifford. “This is an exciting young team with a lot of talented pieces. Charlotte is a great city and I know first-hand the passion that Hornets fans have for this franchise. I can’t wait to get back to town and start working with our players.”

In Clifford’s first season in Charlotte in 2013-14, the team went 43-39, a 22-win improvement over the previous season, and finished fourth in points allowed and fifth in defensive rating after ranking 29th and 30th, respectively, one season earlier. In 2015-16, he led the Hornets to a 48-34 record and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, posting the franchise’s best record since 1999-2000.

Clifford also helped turn around the Hornets’ offense during his first run in Charlotte. After ranking in the NBA’s bottom 10 in both points per game and offensive rating in his first two seasons, the team improved to ninth in offensive rating and 11th in points per game in 2015-16. That season the Hornets were one of only four teams to finish in the top 12 in points per game, offensive rating, points per game allowed and defensive rating. The Hornets remained in the top half of the league in both offensive categories for each of Clifford’s final two seasons, increasing their scoring average by 14.0 points per game and their offensive rating by 9.3 from 2014-15 to 2017-18.

In his first season in Orlando in 2018-19, the Magic posted a 42-40 record, a 17-win improvement over the previous season, and ranked fifth in points allowed and eighth in defensive rating after ranking 21st and 18th, respectively, in 2017-18.

Clifford’s teams are known for not committing turnovers and defensive rebounding. In eight seasons as a head coach, his teams have never finished outside the top five in the league in fewest turnovers committed, and in seven of his eight campaigns his team finished in the top two in offensive rebounds allowed and the top five in defensive rebound percentage.

Prior to becoming an NBA head coach, Clifford spent 13 seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks (2000-2003), Houston Rockets (2003-2007), Orlando Magic (2007-2012) and Los Angeles Lakers (2012-13). From 2003-2013, his teams made the playoffs in nine of 10 seasons, including five straight playoff appearances, three straight Southeast Division titles and a trip to the 2009 NBA Finals during his tenure with the Magic alongside Stan Van Gundy. Additionally, Clifford spent 15 years coaching at the collegiate level before joining the New York Knicks.

Hive Society Memberships for the 2022-23 season are on sale now, with limited availability in the lower level.&nbsp;Hive Society Memberships include all 43 regular-season and preseason games and feature some of the best benefits in professional sports.&nbsp;Pick 23 Plans are also available in the upper level. Pick 23 Plans include the first and last regular-season home games and 21 games of the purchaser’s choice, along with playoff priority and interest-free payment plans. For more information, call 704.HORNETS or visit hornets.com/tickets.

charlotte-hornets-name-steve-clifford-head-coach

Charlotte Hornets Name Steve Clifford Head Coach

welcome-back-head-coach-steve-clifford

Welcome Back Head Coach Steve Clifford

The Charlotte Hornets entered Thursday night’s 2022 NBA Draft with three picks and a multitude of different ways to utilize them. By the time all the wheeling and dealing finally ended after midnight, they were left with two new players and a slew of future draft picks.

Shortly after taking Memphis center Jalen Duren with the 13th overall selection – who was subsequently traded to New York as part of a three-team deal – the Hornets landed another big man in Duke center Mark Williams, the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year. As part of the trade, Charlotte received Denver’s protected 2023 first-round pick and four future second-round picks.

Later in the night, the team packaged the 45th pick and one of those newly acquired second-rounders to Minnesota in exchange for the 40th selection, which was then used on Nebraska combo guard Bryce McGowens. &nbsp;

A part-time starter his freshman year at Duke, Williams took a major step forward during his sophomore campaign, finishing with averages of 11.2 points on 72.3% shooting, 7.4 rebounds and an ACC-leading 2.8 blocks. He attempted just one 3-pointer in college, although did encouragingly connect on 72.7% of his attempts from the free-throw line this past season, after shooting 53.7% in 2020-21.

With Williams, the Hornets have the potential makings of a modern-day, versatile NBA big man. Known primarily for his finishing and shot-blocking, the 20-year-old excels at running the floor and should provide the team’s already potent offense with another immediate lob threat. At the NBA Draft Combine last month, Williams clocked in at 7’2”, with a 9’9” standing reach and 7’6½” wingspan, all of which were the highest marks of any measured prospect.

The Norfolk, VA native moves quite well for his size and could possibly become more of a floor-spacer on the offensive end, which would open up the team’s scoring opportunities even more. Defensively, don’t be surprised to see him eventually switching onto smaller players out on the perimeter either, something the Hornets haven’t really seen from their center position before.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Williams played on arguably the most talent-rich college team last season – Duke had four players taken in the first round on Thursday evening, including first overall pick Paolo Banchero – so, he’s used to working alongside great players. He won’t be a major offensive focal point to start, but could quickly carve out a needed role thanks to his rebounding and rim protection.

As for McGowens, it’ll be another homecoming of sorts for the Pendleton, SC native, who grew up a little over two hours away from Charlotte. A five-star recruit in high school, he chose to enroll at a non-traditional powerhouse in Nebraska, where he was teammates with his older brother, Trey, and played under former Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg.

McGowens completed his lone season in Lincoln as the Big Ten’s ninth-leading scorer at 16.8 points per game, while also averaging 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 31 starts. Although he shot just 40.3% from the field, 47.8% on twos and 27.4% from behind the arc, it’s likely he received an overabundance of defensive attention given the lack of truly elite talent surrounding him at Nebraska.

Like Williams, McGowens conducted a pre-draft workout in Charlotte as well. At the NBA Draft Combine, McGowens measured in at 6’6 ½” with a 6’8 ¾” wingspan, which on paper, means he probably projects as either a shooting guard or small forward in the professional ranks. In need of more size and strength at just 181 pounds right now, McGowens has plenty of time to get the extra seasoning he’s going to need, especially at just 19 years old.

Williams should immediately compete for frontcourt rotational minutes, while McGowens will likely need a lot more developmental time and could spend much of his rookie season in the G League. Fans won’t have to wait too long to get their first glimpses of the pair in the purple and teal though, with both expected to suit up for NBA Summer League in a couple of weeks.&nbsp;

Aside from the two players coming into Charlotte, much of the post-draft chatter has inevitably revolved around the decision the Hornets made with that 13th overall selection. On the surface, the trade allows the Hornets to recoup a first-rounder next year with theirs potentially going to Atlanta if it falls outside the lottery. The now three second-rounders are also additional asset currency that can be used to facilitate all sorts of deals down the line.

Ultimately though, after how little James Bouknight, Kai Jones and JT Thor played at the NBA level as rookies last season, it’s just not realistic to make a jump into the playoffs with so many young, relatively inexperienced players on the roster. Developmental resources are finite and the Hornets don’t have the luxury of allocating as many as they would have needed to had they held onto both those top-15 selections.

Also, many of these draft-day decisions are made while keeping a watchful eye on free agency, which begins next Thursday. Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, Montrezl Harrell and Isaiah Thomas are all on expiring deals and who and how the Hornets envision having back on the roster plays a sizeable role with regards to how the NBA Draft is handled. Now that one offseason chapter has officially closed, a few more will soon be opening for the Charlotte Hornets, which includes the aforementioned free agency period, the eventual hiring of a new head coach and then NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Now’s the time to buckle up because the excitement and fun over the next several weeks is just getting started in Buzz City.

hornets-exit-busy-nba-draft-with-williams-mcgowens-more-future-assets

Hornets Exit Busy NBA Draft with Williams, McGowens, More Future Assets

Hornets Media Availability | Mark Williams and Bryce McGowens - 6/24/22

hornets-media-availability-mark-williams-and-bryce-mcgowens-6-24-22

Volunteers From Hornets And Bank Of America To Help At Five Nonprofits

June 24, 2022 –&nbsp;The Charlotte Hornets, in partnership with Bank of America, will hold their annual Week of Service next Monday, June 27, through Friday, July 1. This year’s Hornets Week of Service will focus on addressing the most pressing needs of Charlotte-area youth, including education, career-readiness and social economic mobility.&nbsp;Throughout the week, volunteers from the Hornets and Bank of America will work closely with five local organizations dedicated to getting students READY to succeed through intentional projects focused on&nbsp;Reading,&nbsp;Equity,&nbsp;Access, the&nbsp;Digital Divide and&nbsp;Young Leaders.&nbsp;

The week’s activities will begin Monday with a 10 a.m. tipoff event at Spectrum Center, featuring Hornets President &amp; Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield and Bank of America Charlotte President Kieth Cockrell. During the week, the Hornets and Bank of America will undertake projects at Allenbrook Elementary School, Promising Pages, Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas, E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide) and MeckEd. The full schedule appears below.

“Social economic mobility has long been one of the biggest issues facing our city, and one of the many ways we’re working to address this is by ensuring our youth have access to education and resources that set them up for long-term success,” said Whitfield. “We are proud to partner with our friends at Bank of America for an entire week devoted to this important cause.”

Previously a Day of Service, Hornets Sports &amp; Entertainment and Bank of America expanded the annual event to five days in 2020, due to the overwhelming need in the community, which grew significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two Charlotte-based organizations have partnered on a variety of other initiatives focused on youth and economic mobility, including the Hornets Innovation Summit presented by Bank of America and most recently, the Hornets NBA Cares 75thAnniversary Project, in which Allenbrook Elementary School’s library was transformed into a multi-use library, media and tutoring space.

“For Charlotte to truly thrive, we must ensure every child at all grade levels has access to the resources and support they need to succeed,” said Cockrell.&nbsp; “As a seventh-year sponsor, we’re honored to partner with the Hornets to deliver impactful projects to strengthen academic achievement and help make our community a better place for everyone.”

annual-hornets-week-of-service-to-take-place-next-week-with-focus-on-youth-education-and-social-economic-mobility

Annual Hornets Week Of Service To Take Place Next Week With Focus On Youth Education And Social Economic Mobility

Mitch Kupchak Post-Draft Media Availability - 6/24/22

mitch-kupchak-post-draft-media-availability-6-24-22

Charlotte Acquires Multiple Future Picks In Exchange For Draft Rights To No. 13 Pick Jalen Duren

June 23, 2022 – The Charlotte Hornets tonight selected centers Jalen Duren and Mark Williams with the 13th and 15th overall picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. The team then traded the rights to Duren to the New York Knicks in exchange for the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 first-round draft pick, the Knicks’ 2023 and 2024 second-round draft picks, the Utah Jazz’s 2023 second-round draft pick and the most favorable of the Dallas Mavericks’ and Miami Heat’s 2023 second-round draft pick.

A 7-1 center from Duke, Williams appeared in 39 games with averages of 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 23.5 minutes per game as a sophomore during the 2021-22 season. Williams was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year after he led the ACC and ranked 12th in the nation in blocks per contest (2.8) and became just the second player in Duke history with 100 blocks (110) in a single season. He also ranked fourth in the ACC with eight double-doubles and sixth in the conference in rebounding, being named to the All-ACC Second Team by the media and Third Team by the coaches. His 72.1% field goal percentage was the second-best single-season percentage in school history, and he was the only player in the country to shoot better than 70.0% from both the field and the free-throw line.

In two seasons at Duke, Williams averaged 9.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 20.4 minutes per game over 62 career games. He finished his career with 142 blocked shots, which places him seventh on Duke’s all-time blocks leaders list.

hornets-select-mark-williams-with-15th-pick-in-2022-nba-draft

Hornets Select Mark Williams With 15th Pick In 2022 NBA Draft

Charlotte Sends Draft Rights To Josh Minott (No. 45), Future Second-Round Draft Pick To Minnesota

June 24, 2022 – The Charlotte Hornets announced that the team has acquired the draft rights to Bryce McGowens, the 40th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the draft rights to Josh Minott (45th overall pick) and the New York Knicks’ 2023 second-round round draft pick.

A native of Pendleton, South Carolina, McGowens averaged 16.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game as a freshman at Nebraska in in 2021-22, starting all 31 games in which he appeared. The 6-7 guard/forward earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors and was named Big Ten Newcomer of the Year by the media. McGowens led the Cornhuskers in scoring and ranked ninth in the Big Ten, while also ranking third in the conference in free-throw percentage (83.1%).

McGowens, who set Nebraska’s single-season freshman records for total points (522) and free throws made (162), ranked third nationally among freshmen in points per game and led all freshman nationally in free throws made. His average of 17.3 points in Big Ten play was the highest scoring average in conference games by a freshman since D’Angelo Russell in 2014-15. He scored 20 points or more in 11 games and became just the second freshman in program history with multiple 25-point performances, tallying six on the season.