Charlotte Hornets prioritizing player development on coaching staff
By Evan Sidery
When the Charlotte Hornets officially announced Boston Celtics lead assistant Charles Lee as their next head coach, it was received with rave reviews around the NBA. Not only does Lee have the much-needed experience across multiple championship-quality coaching staffs, but his known strength in player development shined through for Charlotte in the interview process.
Only 39 years old, Lee will be able to gain the respect of the Hornets’ young roster with the way he’s helped players refine their roles. For key pieces like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, the presence of Lee will be crucial for their long-term developments as the foundational core.
Shortly after Lee signed the dotted line to join the Hornets once the Celtics’ postseason run wraps up, he brought aboard his first lead assistant: Lamar Skeeter. Being on the Utah Jazz’s coaching staff since 2014-15, originally under Quin Snyder, Skeeter is viewed as a rising assistant with immense upside. Skeeter’s best known quality? Roster development, and he played a big role in the rise of Donovan Mitchell early on his career.
Skeeter, who is still only 35 years old, fits right into the identity Lee is trying to build in Charlotte.
In order for the Hornets’ longstanding rebuild to pay off, they must see this young core take significant strides across the board. Lee hiring Skeeter is another step in the process to resetting Charlotte’s organizational roster priorities.