Charles Lee Backs Kon Knueppel, Hornets Eye Draft & Free Agency

0:00It's April 18th. Charlotte Hornet's news today starts now. AI powered and ready for kickoff. Charlotte Hornet's coach, Charles Lee, is standing firm behind Rookie Star, Conn Newepple, even after the team's play and loss to the Orlando Magic ended their season. Newepple had a monster regular year, putting himself in the rookie of the year race against Cooper Flagg thanks to Charlotte sneaking into the play-in while Flagg's Mavericks hit the lottery. But the play-in spotlight dimmed Newepple's shine. Against Miami, he dropped just six points and five rebounds on two of twelve shooting, missing all six threes. Then, versus Orlando, eleven points and three boards on three of ten with only one of six from deep. Fans and players see the bigger picture, though. Lamello Ball led with twenty-three points, five assists, Miles Bridges added fifteen, and Brandon Miller chipped in fourteen. Charlotte finished forty-four in thirty-eight, ninth in the east, topping Miami in Milwaukee, but below Orlando and Philly.

1:01Lee told reporters post-game, he's confident in Newepple, but stressed off-season work to level up. With no play-off since 2016, the Hornets eyed the draft and free agency to build a contender. Newepple's ROI chase rolls on, and so does Charlotte's rebuild expect growth from this young core next fall.