Charles Lee’s first season as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets didn’t go the way he hoped. The Hornets posted a disappointing 19-63 record, the worst since their infamous 7-59 campaign in 2011–12, and extended their NBA-leading playoff drought to nine straight seasons.
Still, Lee is optimistic about what lies ahead. In an interview with The Charlotte Observer’s Rod Boone, Lee said that despite the losses, the franchise is positioned to take a meaningful step forward this offseason.
“I’m excited about our offseason,” Lee said. “We have clarity with our (lottery) pick. I think that our team is in a much better spot this year than we were last year. There’s also clarity with who the coach is and what’s expected of you in the offseason.”
Lee emphasized the importance of stability and structure in helping players develop during the offseason.
“We’ve laid out a great schedule for our guys to just continue to get better,” he added. “We’ve created a great environment for these guys to be able to come in and work, and be around each other, our staff, and just to try to build some more winning habits.”
With the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and potential roster movement on the horizon, Lee hopes Year 2 looks much different in Charlotte.
Hornets' Charles Lee 'Excited' About Offseason https://t.co/AXAfytrYmk pic.twitter.com/psvugppSVI
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 20, 2025
