Coby White Makes Hornets Season Debut Under Minutes Restriction

Coby White made his season debut for the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, returning from a calf injury for 16 minutes in a 124–91 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

White finished with seven points. Coach Charles Lee said before the game that the guard would remain on a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future, according to the Associated Press report carried by ESPN. The return gives Charlotte its starting point guard back, but not an immediate unrestricted workload.

The Hornets are also moving closer to getting Kon Knueppel back from a hamstring injury. Lee said his return was “right around the corner,” without naming a date. Knueppel has been taking part in five-on-five work, with contact drills being added to his progression.

Both players were injured during offseason workouts and missed Charlotte’s opener. Knueppel averaged 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds last season and led the NBA in made 3-pointers, according to the AP report.

Charlotte visits Brooklyn on Wednesday before hosting Boston on Thursday. White has now returned to game action; Knueppel’s next step remains a decision for the team rather than an announced appearance in either game.