In Durham, North Carolina, the setting for the Charlotte Hornets’ first training camp practice under new coach Charles Lee was nothing short of intense. The Hornets hit the court at Duke University with a bang, diving straight into four consecutive defensive drills. The message was clear – defense will be a top priority for this team.
Lee, in his debut as head coach, wasted no time making his intentions known. After a disappointing season where Charlotte struggled on the defensive end and only managed to secure 21 wins, it was time for a change. “If we can count on our defense every night, I think it gives you a great chance to win games,” Lee emphasized. The significance of strong defensive play in the NBA cannot be overstated, and Lee wanted his players to understand that.
The energy and enthusiasm Lee brought to practice was infectious. Dressed in practice shorts and basketball shoes, he looked ready to jump in and participate in drills himself. Players described him as upbeat and filled with high energy, setting the tone for what promises to be a grueling training camp.
Second-year small forward Brandon Miller shared his thoughts on the focus of the day, stating, “That’s the one thing we really focused on today – defense.” But it was not just any defense, it was on-the-ball defense that Lee stressed. This is where the concept of the “MIG” comes into play.
“MIG, the most important guy,” Miller explained with a grin. The MIG is the player guarding the ball, the key defender who can disrupt the opponent’s offensive flow and make a difference in the game. Lee’s defensive philosophy centers around this concept, emphasizing the importance of strong on-the-ball defense to the team’s success.
Last season, the Hornets struggled defensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed, 3-point defense, field goal percentage, and defensive rebounding. Lee identified Cody Martin, Josh Green, and Miller as his top on-the-ball defenders, with Tre Mann making strides in that area as well. He sees potential in LaMelo Ball, noting that his length and athleticism could make him a standout defender once he fully commits to that end of the court.
Ball acknowledged Lee’s challenge to improve his defense, stating that he is determined to “stay engaged and listen to coaches.” Lee praised Ball’s progress in recent workouts, noting that his effort on and off the ball has improved. The focus on defense in this training camp is clear – the Hornets are aiming to turn their weaknesses into strengths under Lee’s guidance.
