The Charlotte Hornets were one of the most disappointing teams in the Eastern Conference in 2017-18. It’s no surprise that management has decided to shake things up. After missing the playoffs two years in a row, the Hornets decided to fire Steve Clifford as head coach. Charlotte went 196-214 in five seasons under Clifford. Who is the favorite to succeed Clifford? Here is a look at the top four candidates to become the next head coach of the Hornets and how it will impact their betting odds.
James Borrego
One of two assistants of the San Antonio Spurs that is in consideration for the head coach position in Charlotte, Borrego might be the favorite to land the job at this point. Borrego was brought back for a second interview with the team and is rumored to be the preferred option of owner Michael Jordan. An NBA assistant since 2003 with the Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic, Borrego went 10-20 as the interim head coach in Orlando when he had the opportunity at the end of the 2014-15 season. Borrego also interviewed with the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns this offseason, which highlights his status as one of the top potential head coach free agents available at this point in time. The oddsmakers at BetDSI don’t see this as having any type of positive or negative change on the Hornets betting odds next season.
Jay Larranaga
The other option that Charlotte brought back for a second interview is Larranaga, who is an assistant with the Boston Celtics. A highly regarded member of Brad Stevens’ staff, Larranaga has coached since 1997 at the college level, overseas in Europe and in the NBA since 2012. Larranaga, who also interviewed with the Knicks and Atlanta Hawks for their head-coaching positions this spring, is another name that likely won’t be an assistant for much longer regardless of whether or not he ends up in Charlotte. Borrego might be the favorite to land the head coaching position for the Hornets but nobody will be surprised if it’s Larranaga that ends up getting the job.
Like many of the other coaches on this list, Larranaga won’t significantly boost or hurt this team’s betting odds.
Ettore Messina
Another name that has been mentioned countless times when it comes to potential head coaching openings around the NBA is Messina. The Spurs assistant began coaching in Italy back in 1989 but transitioned to the NBA in 2011-2012 and is considered a key asset on Gregg Popovich’s staff. Messina will garner plenty of attention this offseason so even if the Hornets don’t see him as the right fit for their franchise it is only a matter of time before he gets his opportunity as a head coach in the NBA.
David Vanterpool
One final option that the Hornets might consider is Portland Trail Blazers assistant David Vanterpool. The 45-year-old has experience both in the NBA and overseas as a player and assistant coach. While he might be a longshot at this point, Vanterpool has made a strong impression in NBA circles since joining the Trail Blazers in 2012 and could be a dark horse option for the head coach position in Charlotte. The Hornets have enough talent that management expects them to contend for a playoff spot. That will put a lot of pressure on whoever becomes the head coach to make sure they contend for a postseason position right away in 2018-19.
