North Charlotte Today

Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee anticipated the challenges facing his team as they entered Charlotte's training camp at Duke University. At Hornets Media Day, when asked about the team's strengths, Lee highlighted their resilience. "I’m going to say resilience," he stated. "There's been a ton of change... But (this team) is so resilient."

The Hornets have been focused and competitive during their practices at Duke, with Lee expressing satisfaction with their progress. “They've been phenomenal," he noted after a practice session.

A significant challenge for the team was the loss of center Mark Williams due to a foot injury before camp started. Hornets President Jeff Peterson commented on Williams' situation: “I hate it for Mark... It’s a minor setback, but we’re excited that fortunately, it's not anything major.”

In Williams' absence, players like Nick Richards, Taj Gibson, Moussa Diabate, and Harry Giles III have stepped up. Richards aims to build on his previous season's achievements and has embraced Coach Lee's challenge to be more aggressive.

Gibson brings veteran experience to the team. He shared his approach: “Just be myself... I work my tail off every day.” Meanwhile, Diabate and Giles III bring energy and eagerness to make an impact in the league.

Grant Williams offers versatility by playing different positions as needed by the coach. He emphasized being prepared for any role: “You never know what can happen."

Coach Lee acknowledged the team's versatility but stressed focusing on fundamentals first. “We’re just trying to get the bare bones of having a five man out there,” he said.

Mark Williams plans to make a significant impact upon his return from injury. "We want to maximize my ability as a player on both sides of the ball," he expressed.

Lee concluded with an emphasis on teamwork in dominating the paint: “We have to protect and own the paint as a team.”