NBA

This is just the next step in both players' development and also the first time new coach Steve Clifford will get to see them in action. Although MKG and Taylor had some bright spots during their rookie season, both clearly have a ways to go as NBA players and the summer league should be a good place for them to continue working on their games.

Ewing was an assistant coach along with new Bobcats head coach Steve Clifford in both Houston and Orlando. He also has a relationship with owner Michael Jordan from their battles in the Knicks vs. Bulls rivalry of the 90s. Ewing will try to help develop a Bobcats' undermanned front line that includes Bismack Biyombo, Josh McRoberts and Byron Mullens. Maybe one day he'll land a head coaching job of his own.

Clifford signed a three-year contract worth $6 million and will steward a Bobcats team that finished last season with a 21-61 record. Clifford, who was formerly an assistant with the Lakers, talked about the importance of balance and said he's not concerned about his lack of head coach experience. Experience or not, the defensive-minded Clifford has a big challenge ahead of him.

The contract hasn't been signed but it's considered a done deal. Clifford, formerly a Lakers assistant coach, takes over a Bobcats team which finished with a 21-61 record last season, second-worst in the Central division (one game ahead of the Magic). His hiring also leaves one fewer candidate for the Bucks' coaching search, which now seems to center on Larry Drew and Kelvin Sampson.

Snyder spent last season as an assistant in Russia with CSKA Moscow, and after being a favorite of the Bobcats last season prior to the Mike Dunlap hire, it appears the team is ready to flirt with him again. Sources told Broussard that GM Rich Cho wanted to hire Snyder over Dunlap initially, so it's not clear why it didn't happen last year.

Hornacek is quickly becoming a hot name on the coaching circuit. If he doesn't land a job this summer, he appears likely to get one soon. The Bobcats are casting a wide net on their search, meeting with at least six other coaching candidates, including Alvin Gentry, Nate Tibbetts, Kelvin Sampson, Elston Turner and Clifford.

Jordan is catching some heat for not "dressing up" for the press conference, as well as for a lack of former Hornets in attendance. But the good news is that Charlotte is getting its original name back, which is what the fans wanted. That was made possible by the fact the New Orleans Hornets will now be known as the Pelicans, and Jordan can only hope that the name change will bring the Charlotte franchise some much needed mojo going forward.