Photo: Charlotte Hornets/X

Hornets head coach Charles Lee, entering his first season in charge, shared his excitement and confidence as his team gears up for their season opener against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

In an interview with Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Lee expressed a strong sense of calm, saying, “I feel the same way – cool and calm – and I can feel that way because I feel like we’re prepared.” He credited the team’s hard work during the preseason, where they spent considerable time preparing for various in-game situations.

Lee highlighted the comprehensive planning that has gone into the team’s preparations, noting that “we talked through a lot of situations offensively, defensively.” He emphasized that they’ve implemented a solid game plan that he believes will make the Hornets competitive right out of the gate. “We put in a good amount of information and I think it’s going to help us be competitive in the early part of the year,” Lee added.

As the season unfolds, Lee expects the team to continue adapting and improving, saying, “As the season continues to evolve, we’ll continue to evolve.” He pointed out that the Hornets will gradually incorporate new strategies on both offense and defense to address different challenges as the year progresses. “We’ll continue to put more things in on defense and on offense,” Lee noted, signaling his commitment to growth and flexibility.

In addition to the strategic elements, Lee’s optimism is also fueled by his confidence in the team’s attitude and work ethic. He praised his players for their open-minded approach, saying, “They’ve been consistent with their work ethic and their work habits.” The strong preseason performance, coupled with a talented and focused roster, has given Lee even more reason to feel positive about the upcoming campaign. “I feel great, and a lot of it is because I have a really good team,” Lee remarked, underscoring his belief in the Hornets’ potential to succeed.

With a blend of careful preparation, evolving strategies, and a dedicated team, Lee believes the Hornets are well-positioned to take on the challenges of the season and grow into a competitive force.