3 things Hornets’ Steve Clifford wants — and needs — to see after NBA’s All-Star break
Summing up a lost season that’s nearing a sprint toward its conclusion, Steve Clifford understands there’s a caveat that’s impossible to ignore.
But as the Charlotte Hornets reconvene after a week-long hiatus to finish off the final 22 outings of a campaign that’s been otherwise forgettable, their coach is putting the onus on himself. Although their 181 games missed this season due to various injuries represent the sixth-most in the NBA, Clifford won’t allow it to be used as an excuse for the Hornets (17-43) having the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference leading into Friday night’s matchup in Minnesota against the Timberwolves.
“Well, you can’t talk about it without mentioning the injuries because it’s been the biggest factor right?” Clifford said. “So, it’s definitely a part of it. But I think as a coach, what we haven’t done – and that’s my responsibility – is we haven’t played well consistently. We haven’t made progress offensively (and) defensively rebounding that we needed to. And that’s what the rest of the year is for.”
At least the Hornets might get one of their key players back for this final stretch that features 14 games in Charlotte and is the league’s easiest remaining schedule based on their opponents’ winning percentage. Kelly Oubre practiced with the team in Minneapolis on Wednesday and in full again on Thursday, so he’s nearing a return.
He’s listed as probable for their matchup with the Timberwolves.
Oubre was second on the team in scoring prior to the Jan. 5 surgery on his left hand. Having Oubre in the mix again is important to help gauge things moving forward since the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent has expressed a desire to remain with the Hornets.
“Oh, for sure,” Clifford said, “just so we can get to playing groups and just evaluate everything and see where you are at.”
With that in mind, here are three things Clifford wants the Hornets to clean up as a whole over these next six weeks to feel good about themselves heading into an important offseason:
1. Stop the inconsistency
It’s time for the Hornets to take a Carowinds break and get off the rollercoaster.
Reducing the constant fluctuations is a must because their huge disparity from game-to-game, quarter-to-quarter or even possession-to-possession can be nauseating. It’s a major contributing factor to the Hornets failing to win more than two games in a row this season. In fact, they have captured victories in consecutive outings just four times.
Steadying themselves is at the top of Clifford’s wish list.
“More than anything, just more consistent, balanced play,” he said. “We’ve had stretches of say seven, eight games where we’ve been really good on defense, and we’ve had the same where we’ve been really good on offense. But what we’ve struggled to do is do both at the same time.
“And that’s how you win in this league, you know?”
2. Enough with the Helter Skelter
Improvisation can be a good thing. But going off script too much is not.
Particularly at the end of the game in crunch time.
In the Hornets’ win over Atlanta, they executed their pick-and-roll offense perfectly on a couple of occasions late. Mark Williams and PJ Washington each were beneficiaries of nice finds by star point guard LaMelo Ball, and that helped them close out the Hawks.
Detailed play – or gameplan discipline as Dennis Smith Jr. calls it – unlocks the Hornets’ potential. It just doesn’t happen enough.
“When we are more organized on offense, no matter what facet of the game, we’re better,” Clifford said. “So, whether it’s a halfcourt set or getting into good early spacing or whatever it is, when we’re organized we’re good.”
3. Guard somebody ... for 24 seconds
This one is simple: the Hornets rank 25th in the league in defensive rating. Quite frankly, they need to pick it up on that side of the ball and perhaps the insertion of rookie Mark Williams into the starting lineup can help.
Remember, Williams swatted four shots in their victory over San Antonio. And don’t forget the career-best five blocks he posted in Houston in January.
As a whole overall, though, tangible improvements are necessary for this group.
“On the defensive part, it’s like there are a lot of times when we are not far away,” Clifford said. “But we have to sustain it for the entire possession, for the entire quarter.”
This story was originally published February 23, 2023 at 12:03 PM.
