Hornets' coach Clifford has strong words for Hairston

P.J. Hairston is in Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford's doghouse. The rookie first rounder hasn't seen the floor since Feb. 10, and on Sunday he was deliberately benched for skipping a team weight-training session.

On Tuesday, Clifford expanded on the subject to the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell.

"P.J., to me, has the chance to be a very good player," Clifford said. "His approach has to be where he is constantly learning what the NBA game is about. He hasn't done that well. 

"Potentially, he could be a starter," Clifford continued. "He can shoot with range and rebounds for his position. But he hasn't developed any way to play to make his teammates better."

It's not too often you hear such critiquing of a professional athlete from their own coach, but Hairston has had a turbulent entry into the NBA. The North Carolina product has shown flashes in the limited time he's played, but incidents like the missed gym time as well as some off-floor questions have persisted.