Hornets Coach Charles Lee Already Noticing Collin Sexton’s ‘Fearlessness’

Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee is already liking what he’s seen from offseason addition Collin Sexton, and he’s not shy about saying so.

In a sitdown with The Charlotte Observer’s Roderick Boone, Lee praised Sexton’s “fearlessness” and “competitiveness,” even joking that he used to be on the receiving end of it from the opposing bench.

“From afar, he was very competitive,” Lee said. “At times he would stare me down during games as the opposing coach or scout coach. He’s always looking for some fuel to get him going. So, when he first got here, I made sure to remind him of that. Like, ‘Don’t be looking at me crazy like that anymore or your minutes are going to suffer now.’”

Of course, it’s all love now that they’re on the same side. Lee called Sexton a strong early presence in the locker room and highlighted the guard’s early chemistry with LaMelo Ball as a good sign.

“I already appreciate so much of what he’s giving to our group,” Lee added. “Seeing him do group workouts with Melo, them having conversations. I just think that’s really important for our group to grow. And he’s going to be a big part of that with his work ethic and competitiveness.”

Lee also touched on Charlotte’s frontcourt situation and how he hopes Ball continues to develop as a leader in what figures to be a key year for the Hornets.

Sexton was acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz at the start of free agency earlier this month.