Former Hornets coach Steve Clifford supposedly moved into the team’s front office ahead of last season. We’re not sure what Clifford actually did in the front office, but he’s moving back into coaching now.
Or more specifically, Clifford is being hired by the Suns as a coaching consultant, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Phoenix recently hired former Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as its head coach. Ott spent just one season in Cleveland, under Kenny Atkinson, though he’s been around a while. Not as long as Clifford, of course, but Ott does have plenty of experience as an assistant.
Anyway, it makes sense to bring on Clifford, who has coached the Hornets twice and Magic once. He tends to take jobs in challenging situations and this year’s Suns could be another.
They traded Kevin Durant, bought out Bradley Beal and acquired Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to put around Devin Booker. That actually may be an upgrade. But after missing the playoffs last year, Ott, Clifford and the rest have some work to do.
Nothing wrong with that.
Just In: The Phoenix Suns are hiring Steve Clifford as a coaching advisor, sources told @hoopshype. Clifford has 23 seasons of NBA coaching experience, including head coaching stints with the Hornets and Magic. He was also an assistant for the Knicks, Rockets, Magic and Lakers. pic.twitter.com/hiroGGN0cR
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 13, 2025
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