Howard-Clifford reunion is key

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dwight Howard is hoping a reunion with coach Steve Clifford in Charlotte will rejuvenate his NBA career.

Clifford is hoping the reunion rejuvenates the Hornets' struggling defense.

Regardless of what happens, Howard's arrival in Charlotte will go a long way toward determining whether the Hornets can rebound from a disappointing 36-46 season and reach the playoffs for the third time in five years.

“It was fate for us to be back together,” said Howard, an eight-time NBA AllStar and three-time defensive player of the year. “I think we know each other so well. He understands me. He knows how passionate I am about winning and helping my teammates.”

Howard spent six season working under Clifford, then an assistant coach, with the Magic and Lakers and there's an undeniable respect between them.

So Clifford is willing to overlook two rough seasons in Houston and Atlanta where Howard was criticized for his play and being a locker room distraction.

“I know what he has to do to play well,” Clifford said after Hawks traded Howard one year into a threeyear, $70.5 million contract. “He understands that I know him. I know his game. Being around him in different settings I have a feel for what he likes to do. There is no reason he can't get back to playing at a really high level.”

Clifford said his goal is for the Hornets to finish in the top five on defense in the league and in the top 10 on offense.

The Hornets struggled defensively last season, particularly late in games. But Howard gives them a rim protector they've never had during the Clifford era. Clifford said he still considers Howard an “elite basket protector and elite shot blocker.”

Clifford said the Hornets have been working hard in training camp on re-establishing a defensive toughness, something that was noticeably absent last year.

“We have to get our defensive ego back where guys are more determined to keep the ball in front of them,” Clifford said. “We weren't as discipline and we didn't guard the ball 1-on-1 nearly as well as need to last year.” the