Coby White made his season debut for the Charlotte Hornets in Monday night’s 124-91 loss to the visiting Detroit Pistons, and head coach Charles Lee says shooting guard Kon Knueppel’s return is “right around the corner.”
Lee would not give an exact date for Knueppel’s comeback. Knueppel led the NBA in three-pointers last season and finished as runner-up to Cooper Flagg in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting.
Both players sidelined since offseason workouts
White (calf) and Knueppel (hamstring) were both injured during offseason workouts, and neither has played this season.
White became the team’s starting point guard after the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball earlier in the offseason. Dennis Schroder has been starting in White’s absence. White finished with seven points on 3-of-8 shooting in 16 minutes. Lee said before the game that White would be on a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future.
Knueppel progressing in practice
Knueppel averaged 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds last season. He has been taking part in 5-on-5 drills, and the team has begun adding contact drills to his work. Knueppel is expected to take over Sion James‘ spot in the starting lineup when he returns.
The Hornets visit Brooklyn on Wednesday night before hosting Boston on Thursday night.