Hornets officially name James Borrego as coach

In this Jan. 14, 2016, photo, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego talks with players David West, left, Tony Parker (9) and Boris Diaw (33) during a timeout in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, in San Antonio. People familiar with the situation say the Charlotte Hornets have finalized a deal to hire San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego as their next head coach. The people spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, on condition of anonymity because the Hornets haven’t announced the hiring. (Edward A Ornelas/The San Antonio Express-News via AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Hornets have officially named James Borrego as head coach.

The 40-year-old Borrego joins the Hornets after 15 seasons as an NBA assistant coach, including the last three with the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich.

The Hornets have set an introductory news conference for Friday.

Borrego gained some head coaching experience when he served as the Orlando Magic’s interim head coach for the final 30 games of the 2014-15 season after Jacque Vaughn was dismissed.

Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a release that Borrego “is considered one of the NBA’s most well-regarded assistant coaches and it’s great to have him as part of our team.”

Borrego said he’s “confident” in the coaching foundation he has gained during stops at San Antonio, Orlando and New Orleans.”