Steve Clifford to miss time to address his health

The Charlotte Hornets announced Wednesday morning that head coach Steve Clifford is taking a leave of absence to address health issues.

The team offered no timetable for his return.

Clifford missed Monday’s game due to an undisclosed illness. Associate head coach Stephen Silas filled in, and reported afterwards that Clifford texted him before and after the game. Silas will continue to fill in for Clifford until his return.

Clifford had a heart procedure done in November 2013 to have two stents placed in his heart after suffering chest pains. He missed a couple of games, but returned roughly a week later.

The Hornets offered no specifics on the health issues Clifford is facing this time around. Hopefully, the issue doesn’t persist or get worse and Clifford can return to the court sooner than later.

The Hornets take on the Golden State Warriors tonight at 8:00 p.m.