The Athletic has created its own version of Forbes’ 40 Under 40 list, and three members of the Charlotte Hornets made the list: general manager Jeff Peterson (35), head coach Charles Lee (39), and assistant general manager Dotun Akinwale (34).

All are new additions to the Hornets and are tasked with turning around a franchise that is trying to become a non-minor NBA organization. The new young blood is very different from the guard they are replacing at their respective positions.

Peterson and Lee were considered promising prospects and the Hornets did a really good job of signing these coveted prospects. Akinwale is a lesser-known name but seems to be highly regarded according to The Athletic’s article. After all, he is in the 40 under 40.

It’s not the most prestigious or exclusive club. The NBA does skew toward younger players, but it’s not full of guys in their 30s with high-profile titles, so there’s not a particularly large pool to choose 40 people from. Still, it’s rare for the Hornets to receive any kind of positive recognition, so it’s a sight to behold when three guys make a good list.

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