CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ It doesn't matter if you're a bank teller or a dental hygienist or an NBA coach:
You want clarity about your job and the authority to get things done.
Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego has that this season _ no mixed signals between him, general manager Mitch Kupchak and owner Michael Jordan about direction. This team is all-in on developing young guys, and the trend line points up.
On Sunday, the Hornets became the first team in 83 games to hold the Milwaukee Bucks under 100 points. The Hornets lost at home, 93-85, but combined with Friday's upset of the defending-champion Toronto Raptors, this resembles progress.
Last season was so different. It felt from October through April that the Hornets couldn't decide whether they were chasing the playoffs or preparing for a rebuild. Much of that was circumstantial with All-Star Kemba Walker approaching free-agency. Once Walker left for the Boston Celtics in July, rebuild was the only sensible option.
When Borrego told the Observer in September that he didn't view his job as caring about player salaries or contracts as far as doling out minutes, it sounded like a personal declaration of independence. That's just how it's played out, with his bosses' blessing.
"It allows me to coach with instinct _ my gut and my feel _ every day. I don't feel restricted because there is clarity," Borrego said postgame. "And not only off the court, it's on the court as well. We have clarity in that we understand who we are more. An identity is starting to be built.
"This is a good place to be for me and for us."
