The Charlotte Hornets have locked in head coach Charles Lee with a contract extension, announced Thursday, after a remarkable turnaround season that saw the team improve by 25 wins—the largest year-over-year jump in franchise history.
While the team did not disclose the terms of Lee's new deal, Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson praised the coach's impact. "Charles has done an outstanding job establishing a foundation for who we want to be as a team," Peterson said. "From Day One, Charles and his staff have prioritized player development, creating an environment where each of our players are committed to getting better and continue to improve."
Lee's first season at the helm ended with just 19 wins, but this year the Hornets caught fire late, rallying to a 44-win season before falling to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. The 25-game improvement didn't just set a franchise record—it signaled a cultural shift in Charlotte.
"I'm excited about the direction we're headed and our team's bright future," Lee said. "Our players have shown a real commitment to growth, and I'm proud of the culture we're establishing together."
The turnaround was nothing short of spectacular. After stumbling to a 16-28 start, the Hornets roared back with a 28-10 finish. From January 1 through the end of the regular season, Charlotte boasted the NBA's best net rating (+10.5), ranked first in offensive rating (120.7), and fifth in defensive rating (110.2). They also led the league in rebounding percentage (54.8%), second-chance points (19.0 per game), and three-pointers made per game (17.3) during that stretch.
Rookie Kon Knueppel and star guard LaMelo Ball finished first and second in the league in total three-pointers made, powering an offense that became one of the most dangerous in the NBA. The Hornets even secured their first postseason win since 2016 by beating Miami in the play-in tournament's No. 9 vs. No. 10 seed game.
January was particularly historic: Charlotte went 11-6 and posted the highest road point differential (+151) for any month in NBA history, earning Lee the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month award.
Now, Lee's next challenge is clear: snap the Hornets' 11-year playoff drought, the longest active streak in the NBA. With a foundation built on player development, three-point shooting, and a relentless second-half surge, Charlotte is poised to keep climbing.