Hornets coach Clifford getting advice from Tom Thibodeau

Think Tom Thibodeau misses coaching?

The former Chicago Bulls bench boss, who was deposed at the end of last season, has been filling his time in part by keeping a close eye on good friend Steve Clifford and his Charlotte Hornets.

"He gave about 37 suggestions last night on our team," Clifford said Tuesday. "So I know he's watching."

Clifford will probably take any suggestion he can get at this point. With defensive stalwart Michael Kidd-Gilchrist seemingly done for the season, the Hornets have stumbled to an 0-3 start while ranking in the NBA's bottom 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

The Hornets host the Bulls - now coached by Fred Hoiberg - on Tuesday night, so pointers from Thibodeau could be particularly handy for Clifford as he tries to get his troops in the win column.

The two worked together as assistants on the coaching staffs of both the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets in the early- to mid-2000s, and Clifford had Thibodeau sitting in on Hornets practices during the preseason.

Thibodeau may be anxious to get back in the game, but Clifford believes his time off this season (or beyond) will ultimately make him a better coach.

"You can make the argument that his time in Chicago - he was the best coach in this league," Clifford said. "If not, he's obviously one of the top two or three. And just having been around him around worked (with him), he's studying, watching, and he'll be on the NBA, the trends, and when he gets back next year he'll be even better."