Exclusive Interview with Coach Lee

Exclusive: Coach Charles Lee on the Hornets’ Bold New Starting Five

Interview conducted by Almondoh Joi – August 2nd, 2025 | ESPN

🧢 CHARLES LEE, Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets

On his philosophy, the new lineup, and why he’s not afraid to go against the grain.

🗣️ “We’re not here to copy what everyone else is doing. We’re here to find what works for us — and maximize the tools we have.”

That’s the tone Coach Charles Lee set in his first media availability since announcing the Hornets’ unconventional new starting five:

• Ben Simmons – PG

• Brandon Miller – SG

• Josh Okogie – SF

• Moussa Diabaté – PF

• Bol Bol – C

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Why This Lineup?

“It’s about versatility, defensive identity, and trusting our length. We’ve got five guys who can defend multiple positions, push the ball in transition, and make decisions. That’s rare.”

Coach Lee emphasized that the Hornets are prioritizing “switch-heavy, pressure-first basketball” — betting on size, speed, and instincts to disrupt opponents rather than out-shoot them.

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On Ben Simmons Running the Point

“Ben’s IQ is elite. When he’s healthy and empowered, he makes everyone better. We’re not asking him to be the scorer — we’re asking him to be the connector. Think Draymond with more pace.”

Lee also said Simmons has “taken full ownership of this group in practice — talking, pointing, setting guys up. He wants this. Bad.”

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On Bol Bol at Center

“There’s no ceiling with Bol. None. He blocks shots, initiates breaks, shoots over the top of people. We’re going to challenge him to anchor the paint and also create mismatches on the other end.”

When asked if Bol Bol could be “the focal point of the offense,” Lee smiled:

“There will be nights when Bol is the mismatch. We’ll feed him. There will be nights Brandon (Miller) gets 30. We’ll ride the hot hand. But Bol is gonna play free.”

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On Moussa Diabaté and Josh Okogie

“I call them the dogs. They defend 94 feet. They rebound. They make the effort plays that win possessions. We need that backbone if we’re going to compete.”

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On Growing Pains

“Look, we’re young. We’re unconventional. But I believe in these guys. I believe in who we’re becoming.”

Lee also acknowledged that shooting will be a concern, but hinted at staggered lineups with Melton, Ziaire, and Connaughton to balance the floor.

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On the Big Picture

“This year’s about identity. We want to defend, fly around, and grow together. Every game is a step. The league might not know our names yet, but they’ll feel us.”

🔚 Almondoh’s Take:

Coach Lee isn’t interested in tanking or playing it safe. He’s trying to build a system, a culture, and a nightmare to match up with. It may not be pretty every night — but it’ll be real, and it might just be brilliant.

📲 Follow @AlmondohKnows and @ESPNNBA for more Coach Lee insights throughout training camp.