Coby White Returns in Hornets Loss to Pistons; Kon Knueppel Nears Season Debut

Coby White scored seven points in 16 minutes during his season debut as the Charlotte Hornets fell 124-91 to the Detroit Pistons.

Coby White recorded seven points on 3-of-8 shooting across 16 minutes in his season debut during the Charlotte Hornets' 124-91 home loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. White, who assumed the starting point guard role following the offseason trade of LaMelo Ball, missed the start of the year with a calf injury. Head coach Charles Lee confirmed White will remain on a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future, noting that Dennis Schroder has been starting in his absence.

According to ESPN, shooting guard Kon Knueppel is also nearing a return from a hamstring injury sustained during offseason workouts. While Lee did not provide a specific date for his debut, Knueppel has progressed to 5-on-5 and contact drills. The second-year guard, who averaged 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds last season, led the NBA in 3-pointers and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.

Knueppel is expected to replace Sion James in the starting lineup once cleared to play. The Hornets continue their schedule with a road game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night before returning home to face the Boston Celtics on Thursday.