Clifford Steps Down: Hornets Appoint New Head Coach
Following Steve Clifford’s departure as head coach, the Charlotte Hornets have announced Charles Lee, an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, as their new head coach. Lee has signed a four-year contract with the team.
Dream Come True for Lee
“It’s a dream come true to become the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets,” said Lee. “I want to thank Rick Schnall, Gabe Plotkin, and Jeff Peterson for their trust. The Hornets have a talented group of young players, and I’m excited about our future. There are few places as passionate about basketball as North Carolina, and I look forward to coming to Charlotte and getting to work.”
Championship Pedigree and Coaching Experience
Lee, 39, has served as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Boston Celtics over the past decade. He played a role in the Bucks’ championship victory in 2021.
Welcome Reception for Lee
“We are thrilled to welcome Lee as our new head coach,” said Jeff Peterson, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Hornets. “He has a high character and is excellent at communicating with players. He will help instill a culture of accountability within the team, which will contribute to building a competitive team in the long term. His championship pedigree and wealth of basketball knowledge and coaching experience make him an ideal fit for the Hornets.”
Lee’s Coaching Achievements
During the 2023-24 season, Lee served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, where the team achieved the best record in the NBA (64 wins, 18 losses). The Celtics’ 64 victories were the fourth most in franchise history for a single season. With Lee’s assistance, the Celtics led the league in offensive efficiency and net efficiency, while ranking third in defensive efficiency.
Looking Forward
Lee will complete the postseason with the Celtics before assuming his role as head coach of the Hornets in the offseason. With his leadership, the Hornets aim to make significant strides towards success in the upcoming seasons. (Yaman88)