What Charles Lee says about key Hornets’ topics as training camp nears
Things are a tad different for Charles Lee these days.
Unlike a year ago, when the Charlotte Hornets’ coach was scrambling to get adjusted to his new employer while juggling family obligations, he’s more settled in. He’s familiar with the lay of the landscape and is eager to get going in his second season at the helm.
That seemed evident Friday during Lee’s first tip-off luncheon with the Hornets.
Hurricane Helene’s wrath on the Charlotte area forced the cancellation of Lee’s initial informal coach’s luncheon, which is an event the organization hosts annually to serve as a precursor leading into the start of training camp. So, Lee never got the opportunity to truly schmooze with the local media in between his introductory press conference and the Hornets’ opening training camp at Duke University last October.
But that’s not the case in 2025.
Here are four key takeaways from Lee’s session with the media:
Brandon Miller’s growth
After having his second season cut short with a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist in January, Brandon Miller is on the mend.
And, according to Lee, improving in other areas.
Miller was among the first players Lee named when asked about the team’s offseason progression. Lee highlighted the trajectory of Miller’s rehab along with his obvious sense of focus and emerging leadership. Miller is taking on the responsibility of mentoring younger players, leading film sessions and increasing on-court vocal leadership.
His offseason included mentoring Nick Smith Jr., providing direct feedback to him from video review sessions.
The rooks are all right
It didn’t take very long for the Hornets’ quartet of rookies — Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner — to start leaving impressions, and they apparently keep doing it daily.
Lee joked how he wasn’t quite sure at first if Knueppel could get up and dunk, but any doubts were erased earlier in the week when the Duke product threw one down with ease. Lee described the rookies as tough competitors who displayed a championship mentality during their run to the summer league championship.
The coaching staff intends on giving the rookies minutes to show their skills during the Hornets’ five preseason games. Overall, the team’s goal is to raise competitive standards during practices and training camp, and increasing intra-team competitiveness. Setting higher expectations and intensifying daily standards are also part of the reason the four rookies were brought on board, Lee said.
.Another interesting nugget: There’s a part of Lee that believes Kalkbrenner can morph into a player akin to veteran center Brook Lopez, who began his career in Brooklyn before blossoming in Milwaukee.
Dynamic between LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton
Among the things to keep an eye out for in 2025-26: LaMelo Ball’s leadership.
As the face of the franchise and the team’s highest paid player, there are certain responsibilities that come with that, and the Hornets want to see Ball take a leap in becoming more of a leader.
Lee believes the addition of Collin Sexton will help with that. Sexton, Lee says, elevates the whole environment and Sexton and Ball are really building a rapport and talking up a storm together a lot after practice.
Lee, who had dinner with Ball and president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson earlier in the week to discuss goals, summer impressions, and personal growth, said Ball has registered a couple of personal records in the weight room this summer and was focused on building up his base.
Lee also said he sees clear growth in Ball on the defensive side, especially on high-effort plays, but emphasizes there’s a need for continued improvement in foul discipline and defensive consistency.
Josh Green, Grant Williams injury updates
From the sounds of things, don’t expect Josh Green and Grant Williams to be available right away. But the latter may not be all that far off from returning to form.
Lee said Green and Williams are progressing, but neither will be ready for training camp. There’s no specific timetable for their returns.
The two are following their respective rehab plans closely and remain engaged with teammates and performance staff. Green had surgery in June to address instability in his left shoulder and Williams is recovering from a torn right ACL
Williams had yet to begin contact when he spoke with The Observer during the first week of August. However, it appears he’s rounding into looking more like his old self.
During the aforementioned dinner between Ball, Peterson and Lee, Ball mentioned he’s noticed how well Williams is moving lately and likened it to what he’s seen previously from the veteran big man.
That could be good news for the Hornets as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.
