While sitting through the Hornets 10th straight loss, one thought kept running through my mind: How is this possible? How does a team with this much talent play so poorly over and over? How is a coach so stuck in his ways that he will not adjust his offense in order to win? How is a fan base so afraid of it getting worse that they dont want any changes made?
If the loss to the Bulls shows us anything, it is this coaching staff’s lack of flexibility. In a game where the opponent should be on fumes due to the previous night’s double-OT game, did Clifford make any adjustment to his teams pace? No. In fact, during a run in the second quarter where the Hornets were running and scoring well, a timeout was called and the Hornets went right back to slowing it down and passing it in to Al. In turn, he missed two of three shots, and the Bulls retook the lead, and never looked back.
The Hornets went into the fourth quarter down by one, and yet I never believed that this team would win. On a night when Al didnt have his shot working, Lance and Kemba played very well. That doesnt seem to matter to Clifford; he will ride Al till the end of time.
It is time to make changes, this team is not built to match Al’s or Clifford’s styles. The longer we have both, the farther down in the standings we will fall. Clifford seems to get an amazing amount of credit for bringing this team back, but the franchise had only one way to go from a seven win season three years ago. His lack of flexibility and in-game coaching will only allow this team to go so far. He and Al are one trick ponies, and the trick is growing old.
My plan is simple, trade Al while he still has value. Fire Clifford and go out and get Nate Mcmillan off of the Pacers bench. Al is not taking this team to the Finals; he hasn’t won a single playoff game as a starter. He is not the guy to build around. His age and value in a contract year will never be better to trade. We have three younger bigs in Cody, Biz and Vonleh who can fill in.
Nate Mcmillian is a proven coach who has done very well with young teams. He was born in North Carolina and has 3 – 50+ win seasons as a coach. He is a defensive minded former point guard who could make better use of both Kemba and Lance.
The time for change is here Hornets fans, dont fear it, embrace it. This could be the first step to greatness, because being trapped in mediocrity, is no way to live!
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