After finding their way out of the depths of the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets are keeping their coach around for the long haul.
The Hornets have signed head coach Charles Lee to a contract extension, the team announced Thursday.
The terms of the deal were not initially disclosed.
“Charles has done an outstanding job establishing a foundation for who we want to be as a team,” president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said in a press release. “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.”
In his second season with the Hornets, Lee helped his side improve from 19 wins the season prior to 44 this year — their highest mark since the 2015-16 season. The 25-win improvement was the biggest year-over-year jump in franchise history.
While the team missed out on the playoffs, finishing ninth in the East then losing in the Play-In Tournament to the Orlando Magic, it was seen as a big step towards contention with a young core in place in Charlotte.
“I’m excited about the direction we’re headed and our team’s bright future,” Lee said in the release. “Our players have shown a real commitment to growth, and I’m proud of the culture we’re establishing together. We’re just getting started, and I’m looking forward to the work ahead.”
The big turnaround for Charlotte came midway through the 2025-26 season. The team possessed the best net rating in the NBA (+10.5) from Jan. 1 onwards, and finished the season with a 28-10 record down the stretch.
Under Lee, rookie Kon Knueppel finished second in rookie of the year voting, former second-overall pick Brandon Miller broke out, and star guard LaMelo Ball enjoyed his healthiest season since his sophomore year.
Lee took over from Steve Clifford after the 2023-24 season. He had previously worked for 10 years as an assistant for the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks, winning two titles (Boston, 2023-24; Milwaukee, 2020-21).
