Media by Associated Press – Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) goes up for a shot between Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey, left, and center Isaiah Stewart (28) as guard Rodney McGruder (17) and Magic forward Franz Wagner, right, watch during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Unexpected turmoil ended up providing another opportunity for Steve Clifford. Clifford, who parted ways as the Orlando Magic’s coach in June 2021, was announced as the new coach of the Charlotte Bobcats Friday. Clifford previously coached the Hornets to two playoff appearances during a five-year run from 2013 to 2018.
The job opening occurred after Charlotte had already hired Kenny Atkinson to take over the team. However, after the Warriors’ run to the NBA championship, Atkinson changed his mind and decided to stay in California. Clifford, who is 292-345 in his career as a coach, left the Magic after leading them to two postseason appearances in three years.
Clifford has a good relationship with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan and will hope to get the most out of LaMelo Ball and a Hornets team that showcased a lot of offensive potential last season.
Pistons looking to dig out of the basement
The Detroit Pistons didn’t have much to look forward to on a nightly basis last year other than seeing how No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham developed. Detroit finished with a 20-52 record, which was the worst in the Eastern Conference. However, the Pistons seem to want to make a push back to respectability.
Detroit acquired guard Kemba Walker in a three-team trade Thursday night from the New York Knicks. The Pistons also acquired the rights to rookie center Jalen Duren from Charlotte. New York had acquired Duren in a trade with the Hornets when New York traded the Nuggets’ first-round pick they acquired from Oklahoma City and four second-round picks to Charlotte.
Walker only played in 37 games last year due to injury. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game when he did play.
Shareef-ing a fool
Being the son of a former NBA legend likely didn’t make things easy for Shareef O’Neal, who played collegiately at LSU. When it comes to O’Neal carving out a spot in the NBA like his dad, Shaq, did, he will have to take the hard road. Shareef worked out with the Lakers before the draft but ultimately wasn’t selected.
Los Angeles, however, did offer Shareef a contract after the draft to play for their summer league team.
Paolo mania
The Orlando Magic used the No. 1 pick to acquire Duke standout Paolo Banchero, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward. The Magic were able to play their feelings on the draft close to the vest, as there wasn’t serious steam they were going to choose Banchero until the days approaching the draft. Orlando has had a pretty good reputation when it has had the No. 1 pick in its history.
The Magic drafted Dwight Howard with the top pick in 2004. Howard would have a long career with Orlando and help lead them to the NBA Finals. In 1992 and 1993, the Magic had the No. 1 pick and selected Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Webber, respectively. Orlando would end up trading Webber to Golden State for Penny Hardaway, who would team with Shaq to help Orland reach the 1995 NBA finals.
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