Orlando Magic might have a stronger defensive base to build from

Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford is sure to use defense as the basis for his team’s identity. A strong finish to the year suggests he has tools to use.

There is no secret what kind of team Steve Clifford likes to coach and build. His Charlotte Hornets teams all had a strong defensive identity. It was the one that that was consistent about his entire five-year run with the Hornets.

They were top 10 in defensive rating for three of the five years he was there. The fourth year, the Hornets were top-10 until injuries hit after the All-Star Break. Only last year did the Hornets fall outside the top-10.

Defense was always his team’s identity. It was the base for the team’s entire measure of…