After the second consecutive play-in embarrassment, the Charlotte Hornets relieved head coach James Borrego of his coaching duties. Since the firing, a few coaches have been linked to Charlotte, including Dallas assistant coach Sean Sweeney.
"ESPN Sources: The Charlotte Hornets are beginning to interview candidates for their head coaching job, including Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson, Milwaukee assistant Darvin Ham, Dallas assistant Sean Sweeney and Mike D’Antoni.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2022"
Sweeney started his NBA career as a video coordinator in Brooklyn. He was promoted to an assistant coach position before the start of the next season.
He served alongside current Mavericks head coach, Jason Kidd, in both Brooklyn and Milwaukee. Prior to his time in Dallas, Sweeney spent three seasons as an assistant in Detroit.
Sweeney is credited with being the driving factor in turning Dallas’s defense from one of the worst to one of the best. He implemented the scheme that has the Mavs playing together as one cohesive unit on defense.
Pairing players such as LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges with Sweeney may do wonders for his game, especially on the defensive end of the court. Sweeney is experienced with coaching young stars. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Andre Drummond are just a few players Sweeney has coached in his career. Antetokounmpo said Sweeney helped turn him into the player he is now.
"“The killer mentality — he definitely helped me with that,” Antetokounmpo said. “It definitely comes from me and my family and the way I grew up, but having Coach Sweeney for those years, he really helped me as a player and as a person off the court."
When Kidd had to miss games due to COVID-19 protocols, Sweeney was the man to fill his seat. In those games, Sweeney went 3-1.
Sweeney does not have the experience other coaches do. However, he is a proven assistant who can make an impact in an area the Hornets need the most. He is not my top choice for the position, but he would be a solid addition if that is the direction the franchise wanted to go.