Charles Lee isn’t hiding how he feels about Dennis Schroder. The Hornets coach sees a veteran guard who can tilt things in Charlotte’s favor on both ends, and he’s already laying out exactly why the offseason addition matters.
Schroder arrived in Charlotte after a trade this offseason, giving the Hornets another experienced option in the backcourt. He’s projected as a backup point guard behind Coby White, and the numbers from the 2025-26 season show the kind of production he can still provide: 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from three.
What Lee keeps coming back to is the edge. He praised Schroder’s effort, toughness, and defense, pointing to the pressure he can apply full court and the disruption he creates with active hands.
"I always admired how hard he plays, how hard he competes, his ability defensively," Hornets head coach Charles Lee said. "Though he gives up size, there's a competitive, gritty spirit to him that doesn't back down at all. He's picking up full court, he's got active hands, and can create deflections and steals."
That kind of presence fits what Charlotte wants from its second unit. Lee also believes Schroder can solve a problem the Hornets ran into last season: getting into the paint with enough force to bend a defense.
"Offensively, he's just a blur... his ability to get to the paint," Lee added. "As good as our offense was last year, there were times we lacked the ability to break the paint, create more open shots, get to the free throw line, or get more layups.
Dennis has shown that ability not only in the NBA, but also in international play. So I'm really excited that he's still playing right now at a high level."
For Charlotte, that downhill pressure could open up cleaner looks for shooters and create more finishes around the rim. It also gives the Hornets another veteran voice in a group loaded with young talent.
Lee didn’t stop at the on-court fit. He also highlighted the way Schroder carries himself with teammates, especially when it comes to accountability and communication.
"His leadership that he will bring… he's not afraid to have tough conversations with players, but really just to motivate them all to get on the same page, to compete, and try to win a game. I love the addition. I think he's gonna be able to help some of our younger players as well with his leadership."
That’s the full picture Lee is selling: energy, defense, pace, paint pressure, and a veteran presence who can push a young locker room in the right direction.
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