Boston Celtics lead assistant coach Charles Lee has agreed on a four-year contract to develop into the top coach of the Charlotte Hornets, sources advised ESPN on Thursday morning.
Lee, 39, had risen to develop into one of many league’s most completed assistant coaches and now lands with new government president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson in Charlotte to preside over the Hornets’ rebuild. Lee and Peterson started their NBA careers along with the Atlanta Hawks.
Lee will full the Celtics’ playoff run earlier than transferring over to hitch the Hornets on a full-time foundation, sources mentioned.
Earlier than becoming a member of Boston as the highest assistant beneath Joe Mazzulla final summer time, Lee spent 5 years beneath two-time NBA Coach of the 12 months Mike Budenholzer with the Bucks and was part of Milwaukee’s 2021 NBA championship run.
Lee replaces Steve Clifford, who stepped down on the finish of the season to maneuver right into a entrance workplace position. Charlotte has an opportunity to be a lot improved off a 21-61 season with the wholesome return of All-Star level guard LaMelo Ball, the potential re-signing of free agent ahead Miles Bridges and the fast growth of No. 2 general choose Brandon Miller.
Lee began his teaching profession in 2012 at Bucknell, the place he had been the Patriot League Participant of the 12 months in his senior season of 2006. After taking part in two years of worldwide skilled basketball, Lee joined Budenholzer’s workers with the Hawks in 2014 earlier than transferring to the Bucks in 2018 and the Celtics final summer time.
