The Charlotte Hornets are trying to squeeze offense out of Coby White, but the timing may be working against them.
White is back after an early-season calf injury, yet Charlotte’s injury list has kept shifting around him. That has left the Hornets in a spot where they want his scoring punch, but he is still working his way back into game shape.
His return came on November 2 against the Detroit Pistons, when he played 16 minutes and scored 7 points. Two nights later against Brooklyn, he logged 18 minutes and finished with 4 points. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they also fit the reality of a player easing back in after missing time.
White has the ability to score and help organize an offense, and when he’s comfortable, he can put up big nights. Right now, though, Charlotte would be wiser to let that come gradually instead of asking him to carry more than he should.
The Hornets have dropped six straight, and their issues go well beyond one missing piece. Their offense has been inconsistent all season, and Brandon Miller’s groin soreness has only added to the list of problems. Other players have also missed time with injuries.
That leaves head coach Charles Lee trying to piece together enough production to keep Charlotte in games. White can be part of that effort, but he shouldn’t be treated like the answer to everything that’s gone wrong.
Charlotte needs better output from the full roster, cleaner ball security, and fewer of the scoring droughts that have haunted this losing streak. White was added to help, not to fix every problem by himself.
The Hornets are back in action Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whether White plays 15 minutes or 25, the bigger concern is that he stays healthy and gets comfortable enough to contribute.
It’s still early in the season, and there’s time for Charlotte to settle in. But putting the weight of the offense on White before he’s fully back up to speed would be asking for trouble.
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