The Hornets continue their search for a new head coach after firing James Borrego. Several names have come up in the media. Most recently it was reported that former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was interviewed by the team.
A new report suggests that veteran coach Mike D’Antoni is in a ‘strong position’ to land the job. He hasn’t worked as a head coach since 2020 after he left the Rockets.
According to the report, Charlotte wants an offensive-minded head coach who would get the most out of LaMelo Ball. D’Antoni is viewed as someone who fits the bill.
Via Marc Stein:
“As team representatives from throughout the NBA prepare to head to Chicago for the annual tradition of a week’s worth of predraft activities starting Monday, there is ongoing buzz in league coaching circles that Mike D’Antoni is in a strong position to land the Charlotte Hornets’ head coaching job. Defensive issues were said to be a key element of James Borrego’s unexpected downfall after four solid seasons, but Charlotte is nonetheless said to want a veteran coach who can forge a strong connection with All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, who would presumably thrive in an offense D’Antoni surely tailors around him completely. Another factor in D’Antoni’s favor despite his reputed aversion to defensive matters: Hornets president of basketball operations Mitch Kupchak already hired D’Antoni once with the Lakers.”
