The Charlotte Hornets have a whole new basketball operation. But that new staff inherits most of an old roster full of pre-existing issues.
New general manager Mitch Kupchak fired head coach Steve Clifford April 13, and much of the basketball support staff – from medical personnel to strength-and-conditioning specialists – were also let go.
However, the vast majority of the players who went 36-46 is still under guaranteed contract. Kupchak is scheduled to start interviewing candidates to replace Clifford this week, including San Antonio Spurs lead assistant Ettore Messina, who oversaw the Spurs in playoff games while Gregg Popovich mourned the death of his wife, Erin.