Donna Julian Executive Vice President & Spectrum Center General Manager | Carolina Hornets Website
Donna Julian Executive Vice President & Spectrum Center General Manager | Carolina Hornets Website
The Charlotte Hornets are set to begin their 2024-25 NBA season with a renewed sense of optimism and ambition. The team, now under the leadership of Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, is gearing up for its opening game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center.
Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin acquired the majority stake in the Hornets from Michael Jordan on August 3, 2023. Since then, they have focused on building a premier franchise in the NBA. "We’re super competitive, and we have expectations, but we also understand that we need to be patient to create something great here," said Schnall.
Gabe Plotkin expressed confidence in the direction of the organization. "It's a different feeling than last year because I feel much more confident about the direction broadly across the organization," he stated.
A significant move by Schnall and Plotkin was hiring Jeff Peterson as President of Basketball Operations. Peterson previously served as assistant general manager for both the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks. "It starts with leadership, and with the person you put in the top job," noted Schnall.
Peterson has been active during his tenure, re-signing veterans Miles Bridges and Seth Curry while adding Taj Gibson to bolster team dynamics. He also facilitated a trade bringing Josh Green to Charlotte and made strategic picks in Tidjane Salaun and KJ Simpson during his first draft night with the Hornets.
Charles Lee was appointed as head coach after successful stints with Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. "Charles embodies everything we're about – he's a leader, he's dynamic and he's very smart," said Schnall.
Shelly Cayette-Weston joined as President of Business Operations to lead day-to-day operations for Hornets Sports & Entertainment. Her appointment aligns with Schnall's vision for business growth alongside basketball success.
The organization has also prioritized community engagement through initiatives like renovating gymnasiums at nine Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools via their Chairman’s Legacy Fund. The Hornets Foundation committed $1 million towards Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Schnall summarized their approach: “We would encourage everyone to watch the energy and spirit with which we play... It should be a really fun season.”
Alerts Sign-up