Hornets Coach Charles Lee Discusses Busy Offseason, Guard Depth and Injury Progress
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The Charlotte Hornets’ offseason overhaul took center stage on Aug. 15, when head coach Charles Lee appeared on Charlotte radio station WFNZ to detail the club’s summer moves, roster balance and injury news.
Charlotte traded center Jusuf Nurkic to Utah for guard Collin Sexton and a 2026 second-round pick, then selected Kon Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Sion James and Liam McNeeley in June’s draft. McNeeley arrived with the first-round pick obtained in the deal that sent Mark Williams to Phoenix. The Hornets also added Pat Connaughton, Spencer Dinwiddie and veteran center Mason Plumlee, while re-signing free-agent guard Tre Mann.
After LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller combined to play just 74 games last season—Miller is now close to full recovery from wrist surgery—Lee emphasized the importance of improved health as the team reshapes its roster.
High hopes for Sexton
Lee praised the aggressive approach of general manager Jeff Peterson and singled out Sexton’s arrival as a tone-setter:
“I’ve always seen him compete at a really high level. Since he’s been around our group, he’s elevated the intensity. He’s sociable, in-your-face, and I love it. He’s going to add a lot to our culture.”
Guard-heavy lineup
With Ball, Sexton, Knueppel, Mann, Dinwiddie, James and Nick Smith Jr. all vying for backcourt minutes, Lee welcomed the versatility:
“The league is faster and more positionless. Having multiple ball-handlers should help us create open shots in different ways.”
Sorting out the middle
Center remains a talking point around the league, but Lee is comfortable rotating Plumlee, Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate:
“We can play a lot of different ways. Plumlee’s experience gives us balance, while Moussa and Ryan bring energy and two-way impact.”
Lee called Plumlee “a professional” who understands both starting and reserve roles and compared Kalkbrenner’s skill set to Brook Lopez.
Injury updates
Forward Grant Williams (right ACL and meniscus) and guard Josh Green (shoulder surgery) are progressing, but Lee declined to offer return dates.
“Both guys are making positive strides. They attack their rehab every day, and our staff has laid out clear roadmaps. We just can’t set a timetable yet.”
Charlotte will open training camp later this fall with hopes that a deeper backcourt, a veteran presence in the paint and healthier stars can push the team forward.
Source: Hoops Rumors
