NBA Free Agency: Grading This Offseason's 9 Head Coach Hirings So Far

Charlotte Hornets - James Borrego to replace Steve Clifford

Borrego standing beside Popovich by the bench

Past experience: Borrego is a former San Antonio Spurs Assistant coach from 2003 to 2010 and then again from 2015 to 2018. In between of those two periods, he also served as an assistant for the New Orleans Pelicans under Monty Williams from 2010 to 2012, assistant for the Orlando Magic from 2012 to 2015, and then briefly was the Magic interim head coach for part of the 2015 NBA season. As the head coach for the Magic, he finished with a record of 10-20. With the Spurs, he was part of the championship teams in 2005 and 2007.

How will he fit: NBA fans are still unsure of the Hornets direction since Kemba Walker has been present in several trade talks and it was announced that Dwight Howard was traded to the Nets earlier. I do think Borrego should have an opportunity to coach an NBA team. However, I don't know if the Hornets are a good destination for him because of the confusion of their direction. He will bring championship experience from his time with the Spurs and he will bring wisdom from the great Gregg Popovich over to the Hornets.

I do believe he was one of the more qualified coaches to choose from. If the Hornets are searching to make the playoffs, Borrego should be able to help them get there, but I don't think he will be able to lead them deep into the playoffs. The Hornets need to pick a direction and they need to ensure Borrego is prepared for a potential rebuild.

Grade: B