Guest of the League
Let's Get Tropical
Slam Dunk - $20.00 - Contest Completed | NBA Week 26

Hornets hire Charles Lee as head coach

Thu May 9 10:40am ET
Field Level Media

Boston Celtics assistant coach Charles Lee agreed to become head coach of the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

Lee, 39, will continue in his role on the Boston bench until the team is eliminated from the playoffs before replacing Steve Clifford in Charlotte, the team said.

The Hornets were 21-61 and Clifford, who twice served as head coach of the franchise, will remain with the organization in a front office role.

Lee was hired by president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson in a reunion with the Hornets. They were both in the Atlanta Hawks' organization at the outset of their NBA careers. Lee spent five years as an assistant coach for former Hawks (2014) and Milwaukee Bucks (2018-22) coach Mike Budenholzer and was hired to be an assistant coach on Joe Mazzulla's staff in 2023.


"We are excited to welcome Charles Lee as the head coach of Charlotte Hornets," Peterson said. "His high character and his ability to connect with players while also instilling a culture of accountability will serve us well as we construct a competitive team built for long-term success. Charles possesses a championship pedigree with a wide range of basketball knowledge and NBA experience, has a tremendous work ethic and is a great communicator. He shares our vision for this organization, and I look forward to partnering with him in building something special here in the Carolinas."

Lee agreed to a four-year deal, according to ESPN.

"The opportunity to be the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets is a dream come true," Lee said. "I want to thank Rick Schnall, Gabe Plotkin and Jeff Peterson for the trust they are placing in me to lead this team. The Hornets have a talented young core of players and I'm excited about our future and what we can build here. There are few places as passionate about basketball as the Carolinas, and I look forward to coming to Charlotte and getting to work."

That move came after Lee was one of three finalists to become head coach of the Detroit Pistons.

Lee was viewed as a rising candidate in the NBA for the past two offseasons. He interviewed to be head coach of the Sacramento Kings in 2022 and the Lakers requested permission to interview him when another Bucks assistant, Darvin Ham, was selected to be Lakers head coach.

Player Notes
Tyrese Haliburton Sun May 26 7:40pm

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) is questionable for Monday's postseason showdown with the Celtics. He tweaked his left hamstring in Game 2 and didn't return. Haliburton also carried the same injury designation heading into Game 3. However, the 24-year-old wasn't out there. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Indiana will "err on the side of caution" regarding Haliburton's health while adding that there is a growing possibility he won't return for the rest of this series. If that's the case, Andrew Nembhard, coming off a 32-point, nine-assist showing in Game 3, will continue to see plenty of interest from DFS managers. The same applies to Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell, and Myles Turner.

Luka Doncic Sun May 26 7:20pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) will play on Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He had a triple-double in Game 2, doing so despite battling lingering knee and ankle soreness. While Doncic's shooting numbers haven't been the best throughout the postseason, he remains a top DFS option for Game 3.

Jrue Holiday Sun May 26 6:10pm

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (illness) is questionable for Monday's playoff meeting with the Pacers. He's battling a non-COVID-related illness and held the same designation heading into Game 3 on Saturday night. However, the veteran was active and finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in 38 minutes of work. With that said, the C's are up three games, so the team could give him a night off if needed. If that's the case, Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser would presumably pick up extra minutes.

Luke Kornet Sun May 26 6:10pm

Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (wrist) is questionable for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Indiana Pacers. He injured his wrist in Game 2 and wasn't available for Saturday's comeback win. However, with the Celtics just one win away from the NBA Finals, the team could play it safe by keeping him off the floor. With Kristaps Porzingis (calf) already ruled out, Al Horford would continue operating as the starting center, with Xavier Tillman Sr. in line to get more work. Unfortunately, Tillman hasn't done much this postseason, so DFS managers shouldn't consider him for their lineups.

Kristaps Porzingis Sun May 26 6:00pm

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Pacers. There were reports that the veteran could return for this contest after missing nearly a month because of a right Soleus strain. But truth be told, the Celtics likely won't need him during the series, meaning the team could keep Porzingis resting until the NBA Finals, assuming the club advances. At any rate, there's still a chance his injury designation could change heading into Monday night. Yet, if Porzingis doesn't return, Al Horford will remain the No. 1 option in the middle. In addition, Xavier Tillman Sr. might get a few minutes in Game 4 if Luke Kornet (wrist) can't suit up after sitting out on Saturday night.

LeBron James Sun May 26 5:50pm

According to Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, the Phoenix Suns "are hoping to pursue" LeBron James this offseason. While the multi-time MVP still needs to decline his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears more likely that he will test the open market over the summer. Of course, the Suns don't have the cash to offer James a lucrative deal, meaning he would need to consider taking significantly less if he hopes to team with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. But he has made plenty of money throughout his career, so adding another championship to his resume could be a selling point. The Suns reportedly view Bronny James as "a very serious draft option," which could help Phoenix in their quest to add the NBA's All-Time leading scorer.

Kristaps Porzingis Sun May 26 1:30pm

According to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is still not a lock to return for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Indiana. There were reports the veteran could be back on Monday night. However, Mazzulla has repeatedly denied these reports. Porzingis hasn't played in nearly a month because of a Soleus strain. But with Boston up three games in the series and one win away from advancing to the NBA Finals, the team may keep Porzingis on the shelf for a little longer. At any rate, with Luke Kornet (wrist) missing Game 3 on Saturday night, Al Horford could continue to absorb most of the minutes in the middle in Game 4, with Xavier Tillman Sr. getting a few minutes from off the bench.

Tyrese Haliburton Sun May 26 1:20pm

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) isn't expected to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Boston. Not only that but there's "real doubt" regarding his availability for the remainder of the series. Of course, that could mean Haliburton won't play again until the start of the 2024-25 campaign, especially since the Pacers are down three games and one loss away from elimination. But while Haliburton is on the shelf, Andrew Nembhard, coming off a 32-point, nine-assist performance in Game 3, will be a favorite of DFS managers. At the same time, Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, and T.J. McConnell could continue to see an increase in fantasy production.

Jaylen Brown Sun May 26 12:10am

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown had 24 points in Saturday night's comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers. He added three assists, two rebounds, one block, and one steal. The 27-year-old scored 40 points in Game 2. While Brown wasn't as potent this time around, he still did enough to get Boston one game closer to the NBA Finals. DFS managers should anticipate Brown to continue to log heavy minutes and take plenty of shots in Game 4 on Monday night.

Jayson Tatum Sun May 26 12:00am

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 36 points in Saturday's win over the Pacers. The Celtics trailed for most of the contest. However, the team got it together to go up three games in the series. The 26-year-old had a tough time finding the bottom of the net in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. But he turned things around in Game 3, going 12-for-23 from the field and 5-for-10 from behind the arc, adding 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and one steal. Nevertheless, Boston can close out the series on Monday. Of course, DFS managers should expect Tatum to stay highly motivated in hopes of taking the C's back to the NBA Finals.

Luka Doncic Sat May 25 11:50pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is listed as questionable for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Timberwolves. The multi-time All-Star will be on the floor on Sunday, barring a setback, considering these injuries have lingered for weeks. Doncic had a triple-double in Game 2 on Friday night, although it's obvious he's dealing with a considerable amount of pain at times. With that in mind, DFS managers already know he's a top fantasy producer, even with his subpar shooting numbers throughout the postseason.

Mike Conley Sat May 25 11:50pm

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (calf) is questionable for Sunday's postseason showdown with the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran will likely continue to deal with a right Soleus strain for the rest of the postseason, so DFS managers should anticipate his presence on the injury report moving ahead. However, he should be fine to play through it, barring a significant setback. Conley struggled in Game 1, scoring only six points. But he had 18 points in Game 2. With that said, the 36-year-old is not a consistent fantasy option, making him a risky roster choice for Game 3.

Jrue Holiday Sat May 25 8:10pm

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (illness) is available for Saturday's meeting with the Pacers. Holiday was added to the injury report because of a non-COVID-related illness. But he participated and shootaround before the game, so he feels well enough to give it a go. The 33-year-old has played well during the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 21.5 points, 9.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. He's also shot 58.3% from deep. However, Indiana won't have Tyrese Haliburton for Game 3, meaning Holiday could see less work than usual if the Celtics build a big lead.

John Collins Sat May 25 7:50pm

According to Evan Sidery of The Sporting News and Forbes, the Utah Jazz are anticipated to "shop" forward/center John Collins this offseason. Collins has two years left on his current deal, which will pay him nearly $27 million per season and includes a player option. The 26-year-old played 68 games for Utah in 2023-24 after spending six years with the Hawks. Unfortunately, he averaged only 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, considerably lower than his best season in 2019-20. At any rate, there's a chance teams around the league will be interested in acquiring him. However, it appears Collins is past his prime, although he could play better with a new team during the 2024-25 campaign than in the last few seasons.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Sat May 25 7:40pm

According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Nuggets may be unable to re-sign guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While Denver would like to keep him on the roster, some project a deal that could exceed $20 million per year, something the Nuggets may not entertain due to tax purposes. The 31-year-old suited up for the Pistons, Lakers, and Wizards before landing in Denver, where he's played arguably the best basketball of his career. With that in mind, Caldwell-Pope hasn't been a consistently reliable fantasy option, although his durability gives him value in any format.

Luke Kornet Sat May 25 7:10pm

Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (wrist) won't play on Saturday night against the Pacers. He sprained his left wrist in Game 2 and didn't return. With that said, Kornet has gotten more minutes with Kristaps Porzingis (calf) out of the lineup. However, while that still hasn't made him an adequate DFS option, his absence could open up more minutes for Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, with the C's likely to go small when Al Horford is on the bench.

Jrue Holiday Sat May 25 5:40pm

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (illness) is questionable for Saturday's postseason showdown with the Pacers. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) wouldn't play. However, the C's could also be without one of their stars for Game 3 because of a non-COVID-illness. The 33-year-old played well in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 21.5 points, 9.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. He's also shot 58.3% from behind the arc. With Luke Kornet (wrist) doubtful, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard could see even more minutes if Holiday doesn't play. But even if he does suit up, he could be limited.

Tyrese Haliburton Sat May 25 3:30pm

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) won't suit up for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Celtics. Haliburton exited Thursday's loss due to left leg soreness. However, a later report indicated he was experiencing soreness in his left hamstring. The situation isn't good, considering the 24-year-old missed 10 games in January because of the same injury and took a while to return to form. In addition, the Pacers are down two games to none in the series, so it's a tough blow. Nonetheless, there's a good chance Haliburton could miss Game 4 as well. But in the meantime, DFS managers should anticipate more offensive opportunities for Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Miles Turner.

Anthony Edwards Fri May 24 11:40pm

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards struggled in Friday's 109-108 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. While he scored 21 points, he had a tough time finding the bottom of the net, going 5-for-17 from the field and 2-for-7 from behind the arc. Fortunately, Edwards added seven assists, five rebounds, and one block, so his performance wasn't a total flop for DFS managers. The 22-year-old averaged 27.7 points during the previous series versus the Denver Nuggets. However, he has averaged just 20.0 points in the Western Conference Finals. With that in mind, the Timberwolves have played better on the road throughout the postseason, so Edwards could turn things around in Game 3 on Sunday night.

Karl-Anthony Towns Fri May 24 11:40pm

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 15 points in Friday's loss to the Mavericks. He added seven rebounds and two steals. KAT struggled shooting in Game 1 on Tuesday night. However, things weren't much better in Game 2, with the 28-year-old going 4-for-16 from the field and 1-for-5 from deep. Towns shot the ball more efficiently in Minnesota's previous two series versus the Suns and Nuggets. Fortunately, the Timberwolves have played better on the road during the playoffs, meaning Towns has an excellent chance of bouncing back.