Charles Lee Reveals Biggest Expectations For Hornets This Season

The Charlotte Hornets kicked off their 2026-27 preseason with a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, showing some signs of concern.

But for the Hornets, this team knows that they are missing some key pieces to injury. Charlotte will be hoping to get everyone back for the regular season in a few weeks, but for now, it's all about working on different parts of the game.

This Hornets team has a lot of talent on it, but they aren't considered to be a playoff team in the Eastern Conference. The East is loaded this season, and the Hornets are going to have to earn everything that they want this year.

Charlotte added a few players this season who could help on both ends of the floor, which should translate to more success. The front office and coaching staff believe that this team can compete, but it will all showcase on the floor this year.

Heading into the season, head coach Charles Lee revealed what he is expecting from his players this year. Lee said that a big point of emphasis will be rebounding and that he wants the players to also play at a strong pace.

Charlotte was second in offensive and defensive rebounding last season, and this is an area that Lee wants to see continued success in. Being a strong rebounding team can help win games, and it's one of the simpler aspects of the game that a team can do.

But the Hornets were bottom four in transition points frequency, and this is an area that the team wants to improve on. Charlotte has to be able to get quick passes together following rebounds, leading to improved shot attempts.

Without star guard LaMelo Ball on the roster any longer, this could be tough, but the Hornets are confident in the guys on the team. Veteran guard Coby White will be replacing Ball in the starting lineup, and he will have much more responsibility on his shoulders.

White saw success with the Hornets after being traded to Charlotte last season, and he decided to return in free agency. If he can improve his passing ability a little, the Hornets could be a lethal offense once again.

Overall, the Hornets will have to live up to the expectations that Lee has set, and this group has the talent to make it happen. Charlotte could be in line for a fun season upcoming, with the potential to finally break the long playoff drought in the process.