Lee’s NBA Coach Ranking: Why 28th Is Undervalued

CBS released their rankings for all 30 NBA coaches earlier this week. The top five shouldn’t be a surprise, with Erik Spoelstra , Nick Nurse , Rick Carlisle , Steve Kerr , and Ty Lue holding those spots. For Charlotte Hornets fans, the list places new head coach Charles Lee at 28th.

Lee comes off a strong season with the Boston Celtics, where he helped the team win their 18th championship and maintained top-five offensive and defensive ratings. The jump from assistant coach to head coach is significant. While some assistants have transitioned into successful NBA coaches, others have struggled.



Lee has learned in winning systems under the tutelage of Mike Budenholzer and Joe Mazzulla . This pedigree, combined with the challenge of transforming a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, sets up a critical first year for Lee. With promising talent on the roster, the question remains: Is Lee ranked fairly at 28th? Will his recent success with the Celtics be the catalyst to take the Hornets to the next level? Let’s dive into the factors that could define his tenure in Charlotte.

Lee’s NBA Coach Ranking: Why 28th Is Undervalued Success As An Assistant Lee’s journey began with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2014-15 season. In his first season under Budenholzer’s teaching, the Hawks went 60-22. In his four seasons as an assistant coach with the Hawks, Lee went 179-153 with three playoff appearances.

When Budenholzer left to coach the Milwaukee Bucks, Lee followed suit, and so did the success. The Bucks had a winning season all four seasons, including the championship they won during the 2020-21 season. Lee’s momentum continued with the Boston Celtics, where he joined Mazzulla’s staff.

The Celtics posted one of the league’s best records, with a dynamic offense and defense. In the 2023-24 playoffs, they powered through the competition and ultimately defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals in five games, securing the Celtics’ NBA-leading 18th championship. Everywhere Lee has gone, success has followed.

As he steps away from top coaches’ guidance, Lee will apply the lessons he’s learned to excel in his new role with the Hornets. What Does He Inherit? The Hornets’ roster is not on par with the Celtics’, but this could work in Lee’s favor. Leading the team is LaMelo Ball , a dynamic point guard whose potential is tempered by frequent injuries.

In his second season, Brandon Miller aims to prove he’s ready to be the primary option. Having missed 92 games due to off-court issues, Miles Bridges looks to validate that his prior performances were not anomalies. The Hornets boast one of the best center rotations with Mark Williams and Nick Richards , along with promising young talent like Nick Smith Jr.

, Tidjane Salaün , and Tre Mann . Adding proven contributors such as Grant Williams and Josh Green gives Lee a solid foundation for implementing his philosophies. However, health will be a critical factor.

Ball has played only 58 games over the past two seasons, and Williams is coming off a back injury that sidelined him for 63 games. Can the Hornets avoid injury woes and reach their full potential this season? Is Lee’s Coach Ranking Justified? This will be Lee’s first season as the primary decision-maker. Despite his extensive experience as an assistant, he now steps into a role with greater responsibility.

Lee’s 28th ranking may seem low, especially compared to Jordi Fernandez , who ranks higher despite being a new head coach with the Sacramento Kings. Darko Rajakovic , whose first season with the Toronto Raptors was less successful, is another coach who may have received a more lenient evaluation due to his team’s ongoing rebuild. We should not overlook Lee’s track record of success.

His experience and consistent performance with previous teams indicate that he has the potential to thrive in this new role. If there was ever a time for Lee to prove his worth, it’s now. In Conclusion Lee’s ranking at 28th may appear modest, but it underscores the challenges and expectations awaiting him.

His proven ability to contribute to winning environments, combined with the Hornets’ potential for growth, suggests that he is well-equipped to make a significant impact. If Lee manages health issues and utilizes his talent, his tenure could start an exciting new chapter for the Hornets. Only time will tell if Lee’s coaching prowess will translate into success on the court, but one thing is clear: the path ahead is full of potential.

The upcoming season offers Hornets fans hope, with Lee guiding the team toward a brighter future. Subscribe to the fourth season of my podcast: 10 On The Clock This article first appeared on thePeachBasket and was syndicated with permission..