Hornets GM Excited About Coby White's Passion and Scoring Ability

Coby White was a trade deadline acquisition for the Charlotte Hornets as they fight for a Play-In spot.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Hornets GM Jeff Peterson is excited about the addition of Coby White, who was acquired at the trade deadline. Peterson highlighted White's joy for the game, his scoring ability, and his potential to help the team when star LaMelo Ball is off the floor.

Why it matters

The Hornets have struggled to find a consistent contributor at guard when LaMelo Ball sits, so the acquisition of Coby White could be a key factor in their push for a playoff spot. White's performance over the remainder of the season will also impact whether the Hornets look to sign him to an extension, as he is set to be a free agent.

The details

Coby White has yet to make his debut for the Hornets due to injury, but GM Jeff Peterson is eager to see what he can bring to the team. Peterson praised White's passion for the game, his scoring ability, and his potential to help generate offense when LaMelo Ball is not on the floor. The Hornets are hoping White can provide a boost as they fight for a Play-In tournament spot.

  • Coby White was acquired by the Hornets at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
  • White has missed the Hornets' recent games due to injury and could make his debut tonight.

The players

Coby White

A guard who was recently traded to the Charlotte Hornets from the Chicago Bulls.

Jeff Peterson

The general manager of the Charlotte Hornets who orchestrated the trade to acquire Coby White.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard of the Charlotte Hornets who has missed time due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“The thing that I always appreciate about Coby is the joy that he plays with. The guy, he loves basketball. He loves to work on his craft. He is very passionate, he loves to compete, but he's also unselfish.”

— Jeff Peterson, General Manager, Charlotte Hornets (SI.com)

“The shooting off the bounce is definitely going to be a positive.”

— Jeff Peterson, General Manager, Charlotte Hornets (SI.com)

“Some of the minutes when LaMelo's not on the floor to have another ball handler in there that can generate offense, gets to the rim, but also can shoot the three and get others involved.”

— Jeff Peterson, General Manager, Charlotte Hornets (SI.com)

What’s next

Coby White could make his Hornets debut as soon as tonight's game against an opponent, though the team may choose to hold him out for additional rest and recovery.

The takeaway

The addition of Coby White provides the Hornets with a much-needed scoring punch and playmaking ability when star guard LaMelo Ball is off the floor. White's passion for the game and ability to create his own shot could be a key factor in the Hornets' push for a playoff spot.