Charles Lee Takes Charge: Hornets’ Future Brightens

If you are a fan of a lousy team in the NBA, you should expect to see changes. After finishing the regular season with a record of 21-61, The Charlotte Hornets went into a complete rebuild. It started when Mitch Kupchak resigned at the season’s end. The overhaul deepened when the winningest coach in franchise history, Steve Clifford, also resigned at the end of the season. In the offseason, Charlotte sought a new head coach and executive of basketball operations.

On March 5, 2024, Charlotte made a significant move by appointing Jeff Peterson as its new president of basketball operations. Peterson, formerly the Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. In a move that was met with anticipation, Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee was announced as the new Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets. With these strategic appointments, Charlotte has sent a clear message to the NBA-they are ready to compete at a higher level. Lee, who has served as an assistant coach for the past ten seasons with three teams (Atlanta 2014-18, Milwaukee 2018-23, and Boston 2023-24), is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team.

Charles Lee Impact In Boston.

Charles Lee will sign a 4-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets once the Boston Celtics playoff run is completed. As the lead assistant with the Celtics this season, Boston finished with the #1 record in the NBA (64-18). The Celtics were also 2nd in points per game (120.6), 1st in offensive rating (123.2), and 5th in opponents points per game (109.2). They attempted the most threes in the league (42.5) and made the most threes (16.5). Lee will come into Charlotte with some pieces to build with.

Charlotte & It’s Young Core.

The team is led by guard LaMelo Ball, who is coming into the 24-25 season with many questions. After just 58 games in the past two seasons due to his ankle injuries, Ball will be on the first year of his 204 million-dollar contract. After being picked second in the 2023 NBA draft, Brandon Miller showcased his ability to be like his G.O.A.T, Paul George. Miller averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 74 games. If LaMelo can stay healthy, this is a formidable 1-2 punch in Charlotte.

Charlotte also has a dynamic 1-2 punch with Mark Williams and Nick Richards at the center position. Williams played in just 19 games due to a lingering back issue, but when he was on the floor, Williams averaged 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds, with 4 of those rebounds being offensive. Nick Richards played in 67 games for the Hornets and averaged 9.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. Charlotte has something to work with other pieces in the mix, such as Grant Williams, Tre Mann, and Nick Smith Jr.

Charles Lee Hired: My Initial Reaction.

For the culture, I would’ve loved for the Charlotte Hornets to have signed Lindsey Harding as the coach. Harding had the resume from her WNBA playing days to a player development role in Philadelphia to becoming the head coach of the Stockton Kings. She won coach of the year for the Kings and led them to the conference finals. Harding was more than deserving of being the first woman head coach in NBA history.

Charles Lee is a great hire, don’t get me wrong. He’s come from nothing but winning as an assistant coach with the Hawks, Bucks, and the Celtics. The style of offense that the Celtics play is the perfect compliment to the guys on the Hornets. Lee must fill out the coaching staff who believe in his philosophies, but that shouldn’t be a problem.

Grade: A+