Former Celtics Assistant Sets Bar Before Head Coaching Debut With New Team

Charles Lee knew the end goal was to secure a head coaching gig, even when Joe Mazzulla hand-picked the 39-year-old last offseason to join the Boston Celtics. Now, as the clipboard commander of the Charlotte Hornets, the ex-top assistant of the reigning NBA champions will get his chance.

Lee generated interest that ramped up midway through Boston’s playoff run. In April, the Hornets began expressing their interest in having Lee take over for Steve Clifford and in May, while the Celtics were in the middle of the Eastern Conference semifinals, it was announced that Lee landed the job. Understanding what it took for Boston to elevate and reach the top, Lee is already establishing his…