Hornets Aim to End 8-Year Playoff Drought Under New Coach Lee

In the United States, the Charlotte Hornets are entering a new season under first-time head coach Charles Lee, who was hired on May 9, 2024. The team has struggled in recent years, finishing last season with a disappointing 21-61 record and missing the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons. Lee, who has a successful background as an assistant coach with NBA championship teams in Milwaukee and Boston, emphasizes a defense-first approach, which is crucial for a team that ranked poorly in defensive metrics last year. The Hornets have made several roster changes, including the departures of Davis Bertans, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Bryce McGowens, while adding players like Josh Green, Taj Gibson, Tidjane Salaun, and K.J. Simpson. The team’s success will heavily depend on the health and performance of key players, particularly point guard LaMelo Ball, who has faced significant injury challenges over the past two seasons, playing only 58 of 164 games due to ankle issues. Despite these challenges, the Hornets possess a promising young core, including Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and center Mark Williams. If they can stay healthy and adapt to Lee's defensive strategies, there is potential for the team to break their playoff drought. The upcoming season opener is scheduled for October 23 against the Houston Rockets, marking the beginning of what fans hope will be a turnaround for the franchise. Overall, the Hornets are at a critical juncture, with a new coaching philosophy and a mix of experienced and young talent that could reshape their future in the league.