Charles Lee has been hired as the new head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. After years of waiting and serving as the Boston Celtics lead assistant and highly accomplished top assistant coach, Lee has finally earned his chance to shine.
Lee will continue his duties with the Celtics during their playoff run before transitioning to his new role in Charlotte. He has signed a four-year contract and will replace veteran coach Steve Clifford, who is stepping down. This move marks the first significant decision made by new general manager Jeff Peterson as he aims to reshape the Hornets.
Throughout his career, Lee has brought over a decade of experience as an NBA assistant, primarily working under Mike Budenholzer with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. He played a key role in the Bucks’ 2021 NBA championship season. Despite facing tough competition for head coaching positions in the past, Lee has finally landed his opportunity with the Hornets.
As the new head coach, Lee will focus on player development for the Hornets, who are in a rebuilding phase after a challenging season. The team has not made the playoffs since 2016 but has promising young talent, including LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets have shifted their focus to building a solid foundation under Lee’s leadership by trading away veteran players. It will be up to Lee to guide the team towards success in the seasons to come.