Upon assuming the role of Charlotte Hornets’ coach last season, Steve Clifford inherited a team that had already encountered challenges in its rebuilding journey.
None of the draft picks from 2021, including first-round selections Kai Jones and James Bouknight, have yet to meet expectations. This predicament poses a significant challenge for the franchise, as it lacks the allure to attract top free-agent talent.
“I remember we used to say all the time, ‘It gets late early in the NBA,’” Clifford said.
