NBA: Former Suns Player Jeff Hornacek takes the Phoenix Coaching Job, Bobcats Hire Lakers Assistant Steve Clifford

The Phoenix Suns are tapping Jeff Hornacek as their new head coach while former Los Angeles Lakers assistant Steve Clifford has agreed to fill the vacancy in the Charlotte Bobcats sideline.

Hornacek, who enjoyed a 14-year career - including 1986 to 1992 stint with the Phoenix Suns - most recently served as an assistant with the Utah Jazz. Phoenix is coming off a last-place finish in the Western Conference, fourth-worst record in the NBA and second-worst in franchise history, ending up with a 25-57 record.

Hornacek takes over for interim coach Lindsey Hunter, who took over for Alvin Gentry, in January.

Charlotte, who interviewed Horneck before he took the Phoenix job, signed Clifford to a two-year deal with a team option for a third year, worth to be $6 million a year, according to Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski.

Clifford came to Lakers from the Orlando Magic in part because of his relationship with center Dwight Howard. He was retained by Lakers coach, Mike D'Antoni, after an assistant coaches purge in Los Angeles, but the Lakers gave him permission to interview for the Bobcats job.

The Bobcats fired Mike Dunlap, after one season, finishing the year with a 21-61 record.

Clifford is expected to sign Patrick Ewing as one of his assistants, reuniting the New York Knicks great with his close friend, Bobcat owner, Michael Jordan.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers, who fired Vinny Del Negro last week, want to attract a "big name" in hopes of convincing free agent-to-be Chris Paul to re-sign with the organization. The Clippers hope to interview both Jeff Van Gundy and Stan Van Gundy as well as Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw.

Stan Van Gundy, who has coached for the Magic and the Miami, has stated he won't be taking the job interview calling it a "family decision."

The Clippers are also waiting for the elimination of the Memphis Grizzlies from the Western Conference playoffs, in order to interview Lionel Hollins, whose contract expires with team at the end of the season. The Brooklyn Nets, who were recently denied the opportunity to interview Boston Celtics coach, Doc Rivers, for the vacancy, are also said to be interested in Hollins' services, who has become a hot candidate after guiding the Grizzlies to the Western Conference finals this year.

The Nets have also approached Phil Jackson, as a possible replacement for interim-coach P.J. Carlesimo, who was not retained after Brooklyn was defeated by an injury-depleted Chicago Bulls team, but were turned down by the former Bulls and Lakers coaching legend.