After years of waiting, Charles Lee is finally getting his chance to shine. The Boston Celtics lead assistant and highly accomplished top assistant coach has been hired as the new head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. This announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Lee, who has long been deserving of a head coaching position.
Throughout the playoff run of the Celtics, Lee will continue his duties with the team before transitioning to his new role in Charlotte. He has signed a four-year contract and will be taking over from veteran coach Steve Clifford. This move is the first significant decision made by new general manager Jeff Peterson as he aims to reshape the Hornets.
Lee brings 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