The Hornets will welcome head coach Steve Clifford back to the bench next week, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer writes. The coach has been out of action with an undisclosed medical condition since early December.
Per Bonnell, The Observer has learned that Clifford has struggled with severe headaches since prior to the season and has been seeking to establish the best course of preventative treatment going forward with doctors.
When Clifford left his post, the Hornets were 8-13. Under the tutelage of associate head coach Stephen Silas, the squad went 7-11.
Clifford is expected to return for practice with the Hornets next Tuesday and make his first return to the sidelines on Wednesday night.
There’s more out of Charlotte tonight:
- There’s no clear indication that Hornets general manager Rich Cho is on the hot seat because it’s hard to tell how team owner Michael Jordan regards his performance thus far, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer writes in a question-and-answer with fans. Cho has made some solid moves, such as trading for Dwight Howard, but also some head-scratchers, like trading for Miles Plumlee.
- Hornets swingman Jeremy Lamb has taken advantage of the opportunities he’s been given to showcase his skills in Charlotte, David Yapkowitz of Basketball Insiders writes. The sixth-year veteran thrived in place of Nicolas Batum and has made a case for himself as Sixth Man of the Year. In 26.4 minutes per game so far this season, Lamb has averaged a career high of 14.4 points per game.
- Last week we gauged what readers thought about the idea of the Hornets trading Kemba Walker. Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer has plenty of reasons why he thinks that would be a mistake.
I think Charlotte should look to move Batum if possible and make Lamb a full time starter.