For a moment, the Queen City held its collective breath. With just four teams left in the NBA Draft Lottery broadcast, the odds suddenly tilted in Charlotte’s favor. Could this be the year?
It wasn’t.
The Hornets, who entered with a 14% shot at the No. 1 pick, fell to fourth after the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz—both with identical odds—slipped out of the top four early. The tension was real. But head coach Charles Lee, standing just weeks into his tenure, wasn’t shaken.
“I see a very deep draft class, so excited we’re able to stay in that top four,” Lee said after the lottery results were announced. “Things got kind of tense there, and you’re wondering how things are going to fall out, but again, I think deep draft. I think that our front office has identified a lot of people in this draft class that fit that Hornets DNA, and I look forward to continuing to build sustainable success with this new piece that we’ll get.”
Lee’s steady tone reflects a growing belief in Charlotte’s front office under GM Jeff Peterson. The team finished 19-63 third-worst in the NBA—but now owns a pick that could yield one of the most NBA-ready players in a draft short on star power but loaded with versatility.
Top targets at No. 4 could include teammates from Rutgers, F Ace Bailey or PG Dylan harper, or versatile SG VJ Edgecombe from Baylor, depending on how the board shakes out. Regardless of who’s available, Lee emphasized the importance of culture and long-term growth.
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7).
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7).
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
It’s a fresh page for a franchise that’s undergone sweeping changes in the last year—from a new ownership group to a new coaching philosophy—and now, they have a crucial piece to add to the puzzle.
Charlotte may not have won the lottery, but with Lee steering the ship, the Hornets are refusing to treat this as a setback.
“Now it’s about identifying the right guy,” Lee said. “Someone who can come in, grow with our group, and help us raise the standard every day.”
Hornets fans, mark your calendars—June 26 could be the start of something big.