After blowout losses in consecutive seasons of the play-in event, the Charlotte Hornets fired coach James Borrego.
Mitch Kupchak, normal supervisor and president of basketball operations for the Hornets, made the announcement Friday.
Kupchak said in a staff launch that he needed to thank JB “for his exhausting work” in the course of the previous 4 seasons. He’s an distinctive individual, and his teaching abilities are invaluable. I want him and his household all the very best for the long run. These are troublesome selections.”
Kupchak said that the staff will instantly start looking for a brand new head coach.
Borrego, 44, was 138-163 in 4 seasons taking part in for the Hornets. He had been granted a multi-year contract extension in August. Charlotte completed the season with a report of 43-39, however was embarrassed on this 12 months’s play-in.
For the reason that 2015-16 season, the Hornets have did not make the playoffs and haven’t received any playoff sequence since 2001-02.
Borrego’s two seasons in Charlotte have seen Charlotte enhance its win complete by 10. The coach expressed optimism about Charlotte’s future after interviewing the exit candidates.
Though Charlotte’s 43 wins might have earned them an eighth seed or higher, the East was so sturdy that the Hornets positioned tenth. Within the play-in match, the Hornets misplaced at Atlanta 132 to 103. This was one 12 months after Indiana defeated them by 27 factors.
The job is open to anybody who needs it. It could possibly embrace All-Star LaMelo ball and Miles Bridges in addition to Terry Rozier or Gordon Hayward.
Kuphcak said, “We have now a younger, gifted core of gamers which makes me excited in regards to the future for the Hornets.”
Charlotte had the very best offensive ranking in franchise historical past, and was eighth within the NBA. Nevertheless, protection continues to fall behind. Charlotte was twenty second amongst all 30 league groups in protection. The Hornets had been unable to defend Trae Younger or the Hawks in play-in.
Many Hornets gamers said that if the staff didn’t make the playoffs, it could be thought of disappointing.