What teams did Steve Clifford coached?

NBA games are won on the court, while the background for the on-court performances is perfected in the locker room and training sessions. In high-stakes games, the background created works as a difference maker in the game’s outcome. This groundwork and strategies are chalked down by the team’s head coach. One coach who excels in strategic gameplay is Steve Clifford.

Though he has never played in the NBA, he has been in the sport for nearly four decades. Widely experienced, Clifford managed to have a very successful coaching career at the college level and also was a big part of many NBA team’s progress. With his analytical approach, steady guidance, and commitment to player development, Clifford has left an indelible mark on every NBA team he has coached.

Teams Steve Clifford coached

The 61-year-old Clifford was connected to the game of basketball from 1983. He started his career as a head coach at Woodland High School and went on to coach many university-level teams till 2000. After successful stints at the college level, Clifford got the NBA call in 2001, where he was appointed as the assistant coach for the New York Knicks.

Under Jeff Van Gundy, Steve Clifford was part of the Knicks and Rockets coaching staff and later assisted Stan Van Gundy at the Orlando Magic. He took over a player development role and was part of defensive strategies for the teams he assisted. Clifford’s Magic team reached the 2009 NBA Finals after making back-to-back postseason appearances.

Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2013-2017 and 2022-current)

Steve Clifford took the head coaching role for the Charlotte Bobcats in 2013. The team was later renamed to the Charlotte Hornets in 2014. He instilled his defensive strategies, which led the team to their just second playoff appearance in 12 years. Sadly, Clifford’s health issue forced him to quit the team in 2018.

After a brief break and another impressive stint at the Orlando Magic, an Eastern Conference team, Clifford was rehired as head coach of the Hornets in 2022. While he is currently working on developing the team for deep runs in the playoffs, young players like LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges are greatly benefiting from Clifford’s guidance.

Head coaching role at Orlando Magic (2018-2021)

Steve Clifford returned to the Orlando Magic, this time as a head coach. The struggling team needed direction and consistency, which Clifford provided with his basketball acumen. Clifford's tenure with the Magic has been marked by his ability to instill discipline and structure while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Known for his emphasis on defence, Clifford's coaching philosophy has had a transformative effect on the Magic. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to fundamentals have helped elevate the team's defensive prowess. Under his guidance, players have bought into his system, leading to improved team cohesion and defensive efficiency.

After 6-seasons absence, the Magic team returned to the playoffs under Steve Clifford’s direction. Though he never won any NBA Championship in his career, Clifford's knack for developing an underperforming team into a playoff team is really commendable.