Earlier this year, the Charlotte Hornets hired long-time assistant coach Charles Lee as their new head coach. This occurred after the previous head coach Steve Clifford stepped down two seasons after returning to the team. Despite being in the NBA system since 2014, the 2024-25 season is Lee’s first as a head coach. From 2014 to 2018, he was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. Then, from 2018 to 2024, Lee spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. With each of those teams, he won an NBA championship. He hopes to accomplish this goal in Charlotte, which is something they have yet to achieve in franchise history. However, to do so, he will likely rely a lot on his veterans to help both himself and the younger players on the team. And recently, Lee revealed exactly which veteran he is “so grateful” for.
According to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer (subscription required), Lee had lots of kind words for long-time veteran big man Taj Gibson. Lee praised Gibson’s presence in the locker room and who he is as a person.
“I can see why he’s such a popular guy,” Lee said. “He’s such a phenomenal person. I think he’s added a lot to our locker room. From a human standpoint, I think that his professionalism brings another level of structure and routine, and the guys have a ton of respect for him because of what he has accomplished as a player.”
Gibson signed with Charlotte this offseason after splitting time between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons last season. At 39 years old, it is incredibly unlikely that Gibson will play a big role on the court this season. However, as Lee mentions, he brings a lot as a leader and will provide a lot of value off the court for the Hornets.
Charles Lee Reveals Which Hornets Player He Is ‘So Grateful’ For
Taj Gibson’s Impact On Other Players
Throughout his career, Gibson played for six different teams since getting drafted in 2009. Additionally, he played alongside lots of great players who helped shape him into a solid NBA player. For the last few seasons, Gibson has taken on more of a leadership role and has already impacted many players. Most recently, Gibson left a lasting impact on former Pistons teammate James Wiseman.
Wiseman, now with the Indiana Pacers, cited Gibson as a player who gave him “a lot of confidence.”
“It’s a short time but he’s given me a lot of confidence, always speaking to me. Always telling me to play my game, play free out there, and play with a clear mind,” Wiseman said.
The two only spent a short time together in Detroit, but it is clear that Gibson is well-respected as a veteran. This will prove useful for the Hornets and their young players.
The Last Word
It is clear that the bulk of Gibson’s playing days are behind him. However, there is no denying that he can still add value to NBA teams. The Hornets are unlikely to make noise this season. However, there is a lot of potential in Charlotte, and they are a team many will keep their eyes on in the near future.
