Swarm and Sting
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Where does Steve Clifford rank among Charlotte Hornets head coaches?

By Rhett Koonce

CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets to the media during a press conference at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 26, 2017. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets to the media during a press conference at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 26, 2017. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets have had 10 head coaches in their franchise history. Where does Steve Clifford rank?

With a little less than a month away from the start of the NBA regular season, I decided it’s a good time to reflect on the history of Charlotte Hornets Basketball to bring any new fans up to speed. This is part one of a five-part ongoing series that seeks to highlight some of Charlotte’s NBA History.

What better way to kick off Charlotte’s history than with the proverbial heart and soul of any NBA team. In the NBA coaches have to do more than win. They also need to manage timeouts, as well as personalities, make the correct plays, and maintain a positive relationship with the city and free agents. Now that that is out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the all-time coaching milestones.

All-Time List

Most Games Coached

More from Swarm and Sting

  1. Allan Bristow – 410
  2. Paul Silas – 401
  3. Steve Clifford – 246
  4. Bernie Bickerstaff – 246
  5. Larry Brown – 192

Most Wins Coached

  1. Allan Bristow – 207
  2. Paul Silas – 193
  3. Steve Clifford – 124
  4. Dave Cowens – 109
  5. Larry Brown – 88

Best Winning Percentage

  1. Dave Cowens – .609
  2. Allan Bristow – .505
  3. Steve Clifford – .504
  4. Paul Silas – .481
  5. Larry Brown – .458

Most Playoff Games Coached

  1. Paul Silas – 23
  2. Allan Bristow – 13
  3. Dave Cowens – 12
  4. Steve Clifford – 11
  5. Larry Brown – 4

Via Wikipedia

Coaches

Allan Bristow

Allan Bristow was the coach of the golden age Hornets. He took the team to two playoff appearances and during this time, the Hornets were one of the most iconic NBA franchises. They lead the league in attendance and Bristow was able to pull off the underdog upset of the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Paul Silas

I consider Paul Silas the quintessential Hornet’s coach. He is second only to Allan Bristow in games coached. However, he has contributed so much to the Hornets lore. His son Stephen Silas is currently on the coaching staff.

Paul Silas still attends every game with his wife as a fan of the team. Silas was the last coach before the original Hornets left Charlotte. He also resumed the mantle of head coach after Larry Brown left the Charlotte Bobcats to coach SMU in 2010.

Steve Clifford

Last but not least is Steve Clifford. He became the coach a year removed from the season that made the Charlotte Hornets the laughing stock of the NBA. Clifford has proven to be a defensive mastermind and has consistently coached the Hornets to a top-10 defensive finish for three out of the four years he has been here.

Most impressive was the dramatic turnaround in his first year from 30th in defensive rating to 5th. Additionally, has coached the Hornets to two playoff appearances but has yet to win a series. Hopefully the addition of Dwight Howard this year will change that fact.

Next: Monk's success could decide Rich Cho's future?

Who do you think is the best coach in Charlotte Hornets’ history?