Charlotte Hornets’ guard Coby White will miss the entire preseason after suffering a left calf strain during training camp, creating early uncertainty around the team’s plans for the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Hornets announced the injury just one day before their preseason opener against the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center.
“Coby White suffered a left calf strain during training camp and will miss the team’s preseason games,” the Hornets said in an injury update. The club added that “additional updates on White will be provided as appropriate.”
No timetable has been given for White’s return, leaving his availability for Charlotte’s regular-season opener against Brooklyn on October 21 uncertain.
The injury is particularly significant because White was expected to move into the starting point guard role following the Hornets’ offseason trade of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
White arrived in Charlotte during last season after spending more than six seasons with the Chicago Bulls and quickly became an important part of the Hornets’ rotation.
He appeared in 21 games for Charlotte last season, averaging 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. His shooting also provided the Hornets with another perimeter threat as the team pushed toward the postseason.
Charlotte subsequently showed its confidence in White by agreeing to a three-year, $74 million contract with the guard during the offseason, strengthening expectations that he would take on a much larger role in the new campaign.
Hornets Face Early Backcourt Test
White’s absence means the Hornets will have to use the preseason to evaluate alternatives at point guard while their projected starter works his way back from the injury.
Veteran guard Dennis Schroder is among the players who could assume additional responsibility if White is unable to return when the regular season begins. Christian Anderson could also see increased opportunities as Charlotte adjusts its rotation.
The timing of the injury is another concern. The Hornets have four preseason games scheduled before opening their regular-season campaign in Brooklyn, giving White limited time to recover and build up his conditioning before competitive games begin.
Charlotte will begin that preseason schedule against the Nets on Tuesday, October 6, without White available to test the new-look backcourt.
The Hornets are already dealing with other injury concerns. Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams have also been sidelined with hamstring injuries, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Charlotte’s preparations.
White has previously dealt with a left calf strain, including an extended absence last season before making his Charlotte debut. That history makes the Hornets’ decision to keep him out of preseason understandable as they avoid rushing him back.
For Charlotte, the priority will now be determining the extent of the latest injury and ensuring White is healthy enough to handle his expanded responsibilities.
The Hornets entered the new season expecting White to become a central figure in their post-LaMelo Ball backcourt. Whether he can be ready for opening night will now be one of the biggest early questions surrounding the team.
