Hornets focus on chemistry, communication as training camp opens in Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Tuesday, the Charlotte Hornets tipped off training camp on The Citadel campus in Charleston, with third-year head coach Charles Lee touting the gym layout, which includes three courts, as one of the key reasons why.

The Hornets enter this year’s camp with 21 players, nearly half of whom are on the roster for the first time. Among the immediate goals for Lee and his staff are building habits and the team’s identity.

Among those leading the way are Hornets guard Coby White and veteran forward Brandon Miller, who’s now the longest-tenured Hornet. Miller is expected to be a full participant throughout training camp, following an offseason shoulder surgery.

“I thought the communication in practice today was high level,” Charles Lee said. “We’ve created an environment where it’s safe for guys to not only give feedback, but everyone receives it really well, too.”

During the offseason, several Hornets players traveled for a player-led workout in Miami, in addition to a large group staying local to the Charlotte area for much of the summer to train together.

“It wasn’t a lot of teaching because of all that time we spent together,” Coby White said. “I think it helps us, but in terms of on the court, it allows us to communicate in effective ways in real time. That’s a major key that we were also trying to develop by getting together this summer.”

“I preached, you don’t see teams or players on other teams be in their team state the whole summer,” Brandon Miller added. “This summer and last summer, everyone being around most of the summer, putting in the work, perfecting their craft, I think that’s going to go a long way with bonds, chemistry.”

Hornets guard Kon Knueppel and veteran forward Grant Williams traveled with the team to Charleston, as both recover from hamstring injuries.

Neither is expected to play during the preseason.

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