The Charlotte Hornets are using the NBA offseason to strengthen their bond with the city and each other through community service. Head coach Charles Lee has made engagement a priority, with players showing up for teammates' events to build chemistry for the coming season.
Why is community engagement a focus for the Hornets?
Coach Charles Lee has actively encouraged his players to connect with fans and local organizations throughout the summer. This initiative marks a continued cultural shift for the franchise since Lee's hiring in 2024. The Hornets have not reached the NBA playoffs since the 2015-16 season, and fostering a stronger, more unified team identity is seen as a key step toward changing that. Building relationships off the court is intended to translate to better performance on it during the long 82-game regular season. You can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our schedule page.
What recent events did Hornets players attend?
A group of Hornets recently came together for Brandon Miller's Celebrity Pickleball Classic, hosted by the Team Miller Foundation. Miller was joined by head coach Charles Lee, rookies Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley, guard Coby White, and franchise legend Muggsy Bogues. The event provided a casual setting for players and staff to interact outside of basketball activities. Miller spoke to the Charlotte Observer about the importance of supporting his teammates' endeavors, highlighting a team-first mentality that extends beyond the arena.
What did Brandon Miller say about teammate support?
Miller emphasized that showing up for each other is a fundamental part of being on the Hornets. "Being there for our teammates, showing up for events like this," Miller said. "I went to Grant's golf tournament this year, been to Grant's camp this year, plan on going to Coby White's camp." He noted that while the team sees each other daily during the season, supporting personal projects and community needs holds special meaning for every player. This commitment helps solidify the roster's cohesion.
How does this connect to the Hornets' on-court goals?
The unity developed at offseason events is a resource the Hornets plan to use during the grueling NBA schedule. Team chemistry can directly impact execution in clutch moments, affecting points, assists, and defensive stops. The hope is that the bonds formed now will help the team navigate tough stretches, improve their field goal percentage, and ultimately compete for a playoff spot. Fans can monitor player contributions and team stats as the new season approaches.
This community-focused approach, combined with the talent on the roster, defines the Hornets' current direction. The organization believes that success is built both in the gym and in the Charlotte community. As the 2026-27 season gets closer, the work done this summer could be a significant factor in their performance.