As the Charlotte Hornets continue to search for a head coach following Kenny Atkinson's decision not to take the job, a familiar name is reportedly being considered by the team.
Per NBA reporter Marc Stein on his Substack, there is "serious mounting buzz" that Steve Clifford is emerging as a candidate to return to the Hornets after previously coaching the team from 2013-18.
Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak announced on April 22 that James Borrego had been fired after four seasons. The 44-year-old went 138-163 with no playoff appearances in Charlotte.
Atkinson originally agreed to become Borrego's replacement on June 10, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported eight days later that he decided to remain with the Golden State Warriors as the lead assistant on Steve Kerr's coaching staff.