Steve Clifford

Steve Clifford, born on May 27, 1961, is a former American professional basketball player and a notable coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball at the University of Maine, where he established himself as a skilled and disciplined point guard. Clifford went undrafted in the 1983 NBA Draft but quickly made a name for himself in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he played for several teams and honed his coaching skills.

Clifford transitioned into coaching after his playing career, beginning as an assistant coach in the minor leagues before entering the NBA coaching ranks. His first significant coaching role was as an assistant for the New York Knicks, and he later served in similar positions with the Houston Rockets and the Orlando Magic. In 2013, he became the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, where he led the team to the playoffs in the 2015 season, marking the franchise's first postseason appearance since 2010.

Throughout his coaching career, Steve Clifford has been known for his defensive strategies and player development abilities. He returned to the Orlando Magic as head coach in 2020, solidifying his reputation as a capable leader in the league. His contributions to the game, particularly in fostering young talent and emphasizing team defense, have left a lasting impact on the teams he has coached and on the NBA as a whole.