Former Celtics assistant signs contract extension after breakout season

Charles Lee led the Hornets to the postseason and he’ll be the top guy in Charlotte for the foreseeable future. The Hornets announced last week that Lee and the organization agreed to a contract extension following the breakout season.

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The Hornets went 44-38 to exceed expectations and were one of the best teams in the league in the second half of the season. Charlotte made it to the postseason and won a play-in game over the Heat. The Hornets, though, lost to the Magic in the final play-in game to fail to grab the No. 8 seed in the East.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and building on what we’ve started here in Charlotte,” Lee said in a statement. “… I’m excited about the direction we’re headed and our team’s bright future. Our players have shown a real commitment to growth, and I’m proud of the culture we’re establishing together. We’re just getting started, and I’m looking forward to the work ahead.”

It was still a successful season for Lee’s group even though they failed to make the playoffs. The former Celtics assistant coach was with the team during the 2023-24 season, helping them to the 2024 NBA championship. Lee was also an assistant coach with the Hawks and Bucks during his career, also winning the 2021 NBA title with Milwaukee.

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The Hornets will expect to compete for a playoff spot next season. They haven’t made it to the playoffs since the 2015-16 season. Lee’s group finished with the fifth-best offensive rating in the league as they’ll look to be competitive right from the beginning of the season.

Lee accepted the Hornets job prior to the 2024-25, going 19-63 in his first season. That means the Hornets earned a 25-win jump between seasons. Now, the rising third-year coach will have more expectations in Charlotte.