The Charlotte Hornets, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, have extended the contract of head coach Charles Lee after a successful season that saw the team improve its win total by 25 games, marking the largest year-over-year improvement in franchise history. Under Lee's leadership, the Hornets finished the season with a record of 44 wins and made a strong late-season push, culminating in a victory over the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament, their first postseason win since 2016. Lee emphasized the commitment to player development and creating a positive team culture, stating, “I’m excited about the direction we’re headed and our team’s bright future.” The Hornets now aim to break their 11-year playoff drought, the longest in the NBA. Notably, the team ranked first in the league for net rating (+10.5) and offensive rating (120.7) from January 1 until the end of the regular season, showcasing a significant turnaround in performance.