Courtney Lee wore No. 1 for the Charlotte Hornets during the 2015-16 NBA season, joining at the trade deadline to bolster their playoff push. The veteran guard averaged 8.9 points and 1.2 steals in 28 games, but the team fell to the Miami Heat in a seven-game first-round series. The Hornets' current form, with a recent 110-96 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026, shows a team still fighting for success.
The Hornets acquired Courtney Lee from the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2016. He was brought in specifically to add perimeter defense and three-point shooting for a postseason run. In his 28-game stint, Lee averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 30.2 minutes per game.
His shooting was efficient, hitting 44.5% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range. Lee's 1.2 steals per game highlighted his defensive value.
Despite Lee's contributions, the Hornets' playoff journey was short. They faced the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs. The series went the full seven games, but Charlotte ultimately lost.
Lee started all seven playoff games, averaging 8.9 points. His season, and his time with the Hornets, ended there. In free agency that summer, he signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the New York Knicks.
Lee's departure closed a brief but notable chapter. He played 811 games over 12 NBA seasons, with a career average of 9.6 points. His best statistical year came earlier with the New Jersey Nets, where he averaged 12.5 points in the 2011-12 season.
Lee's tenure is part of the broader history of the No. 1 jersey for the franchise. The number has been worn by several players before and after him, including Tony Delk and Miles Bridges.
This look back is part of a series documenting every Hornets jersey number. It connects past contributors to the present-day team. Fans can track this season's squad's progress on our stats page.
The modern Hornets are building their own story. Their recent form shows three wins and two losses in their last five outings (WLLWW). That run includes a strong 110-96 victory over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026.
Other recent results were a 100-118 loss to Detroit, a 102-113 defeat in Boston, and wins over Minnesota (122-108) and Indiana (129-108). This mix of results reflects the ongoing development of the roster. The team's focus remains on consistent performance as they look ahead to future seasons.
