Coby White made his season debut for the Hornets in Monday night’s 124-91 loss to the visiting Detroit Pistons, and head coach Charles Lee said shooting guard Kon Knueppel‘s return is “right around the corner.”
Lee would not give an exact date for Knueppel’s return. Knueppel led the NBA in 3-pointers last season and finished as runner-up to Cooper Flagg in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting.
White (calf) and Knueppel (hamstring) were both injured during offseason workouts, and neither has played this season.
White Steps Into Starting Role
White became the team’s starting point guard after the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball earlier in the offseason. Dennis Schroder has been starting while White was out. White finished with seven points on 3-of-8 shooting in 16 minutes. Lee said before the game that White will be on a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future.
Knueppel Nears Return
Knueppel, who averaged 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds last season, has been participating in 5-on-5 drills, and the team has begun adding contact drills with him. He is expected to take Sion James‘ spot in the starting lineup upon his return.
The Hornets next visit Brooklyn on Wednesday night and host Boston on Thursday night.