Charlotte Hornets Tab Charles Lee As Next Head Coach
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowksi, the Charlotte Hornets are hiring Boston Celtics' assistant coach Charles Lee as the next head coach in Charlotte. Lee is reportedly being signed to a 4-year contract.
Lee has a decade of sideline experience in the NBA, spending time as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks prior to the Celtics. Lee played at Bucknell University and also started his coaching career there prior to moving over to the NBA.
The Hornets finished the season 21-61 and haven't made the playoffs since the 2016 season.
Injuries and inconsistency unfortunately plagued the Hornets in 2024, starters LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams each playing 22 games or less. Ball and Williams both brim with potential, and when healthy, form a strong young core alongside this year's fantastic rookie, Brandon Miller. Miller averaged 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, showcasing good two-way potential with a great deal of skill at his size.
Charlotte is on track to return most of the team next season, however, they have a significant decision to make with respect to Miles Bridges. Bridges is an unrestricted free agent this offseason who will likely command a sizable contract on the open market. Whether or not the Hornets put themselves in the running to retain him will be key to watch.
While this will be Lee's first stop as a head coach, he comes with high praise across the league and has been in the running for multiple head coaching positions over the past few seasons. As Charlotte looks to take steps forward in the coming years as they find their footing, this hiring will be of note.