South Charlotte Today

The Hornets held their annual team Media Day on Monday at Spectrum Center before heading to Duke University to begin Training Camp on Tuesday. A range of topics were discussed during the event.

The Charlotte Hornets Foundation has committed $1 million to aid the American Red Cross and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in their efforts to provide Hurricane Helene relief throughout the Carolinas. President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson, Head Coach Charles Lee, and Charlotte natives Seth Curry and Grant Williams all addressed the hurricane relief efforts during their press conferences.

“I just want to start with acknowledging those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Obviously, a very, very unfortunate situation, specifically for those impacted in the Carolinas,” Peterson said. “I just want to let you know and let them know that our hearts and thoughts and prayers are going out to them, and we're going to do everything we can as an organization to make it a little bit better. We know it's not perfect, and just want to continue to let them know that we're thinking about them.”

“I just want to take a minute real fast to acknowledge Hurricane Helene and everyone affected by it. Obviously, living in Charlotte and hearing about all the devastation that took place in all the Carolinas, I just want them to understand that they are in our thoughts and our prayers,” Lee said. “And I know there's already been a message from the Hornets organization sent out to everybody. And I know that our ownership group is trying to help financially in the relief efforts… We are praying for them, and I know that as a community, we will all band together to help them get through it.”

“First of all, before we get started, I just want to say a couple words about everybody affected with Hurricane Helene in the Western part of the state,” Curry said. “I know it's been rough the past week, so I just want to say our thoughts and our prayers are with everybody trying to get everything they need to recover from this awful, awful tragedy.”

“I don't know if anyone here is affected by Hurricane Helene or the families, but if you can just commit, whether it's your time, whether it's your efforts, volunteering or even your finances to the victims of Hurricane Helene (please do),” said Williams. “You know they're right there in our backyard. I know people not only in Charlotte but Asheville and family members across the way that have been affected. So I just want to wish my prayer. But also any type of commitment you can make would be amazing. And that's not just for people in this room but people watching (and reading).”

Since Peterson’s arrival midway through last season, Charlotte has had a busy summer with hiring Lee and his staff, shaping the team through drafts and free agency moves along with participating in two intense summer leagues.

“I’m just excited,” said Peterson. “It's been a whirlwind since I first got here back in March. So it's hard to kind of sit back and reflect on everything...but I'm very excited about this day - had my clothes laid out last night...So now I'm very excited.”

Lee also shared his excitement about joining Buzz City: “There's a great buzz around the team...I feel it and I feel the energy,” he said. “It really started from day one when I was hired...one of the biggest messages that we're trying hammer home as a staff is consistency...we'll have take it up another level come Training Camp time.”

Hornets center Mark Williams suffered a strained tendon during an offseason workout on Thursday which will sideline him for Training Camp; he will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

“I’ll bounce back," Williams said "I'm not worried about that part...it's nothing too serious…I feel good."

Peterson expressed confidence: "I hate it for Mark...He's had an unbelievable summer...Minor setback but fortunately it's not anything major."

LaMelo Ball played only 22 games last season due ankle injury but is ready for 2024-25 wearing ankle braces.

“I feel good ready play," Ball said "they got me ankle braces."

Coach Lee added: "there's been some really good conversations…to put him best position have success…we'll evaluate how that's helping or hurting..."