Jim Cleamons added to Hornets staff

Cleamons brings 14 years of experience as both a head and assistant coach with him to the bench, as well as six NBA titles. He began his coaching career in 1989 on former teammate Phil Jackson’s staff with the Chicago Bulls (the first year of Jackson’s tenure in Chicago). Cleamons helped the Bulls win three straight NBA championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993.

In seven seasons in Chicago (1989-1996), the Bulls posted a 414-160 (.721) record. Cleamons then left the Bulls to become head coach of the Dallas Mavericks following the 1995-96 campaign. He remained in Dallas for 1 1/2 seasons, compiling a record of 28-72 (.280).

Cleamons re-united with Jackson in the 1999-2000 season when Jackson was hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and brought his trusted friend out west. Los Angeles went on to capture the next three NBA titles (2000, 2001, 2002) and appeared in the NBA Finals in 2004. Cleamons spent a total of five seasons (1999-2004) as an assistant with the Lakers, during which time the team posted a 287-123 (.700) mark.

"Jim will be an integral part of making our team a championship contender," said new Hornets head coach Byron Scott. "He has coached the best in the business, from Michael Jordan to Shaquille O’Neal, and has helped them reach the ultimate level of success, so I’m anxious for him to impart that knowledge to our players and help teach them how to get to that level."

Cleamons joins Darrell Walker and Kenny Gattison to round out Scott’s staff.