The Charlotte Hornets have hired an assistant coach with ties to guard Coby White.
The Charlotte Hornets are hiring John Bryant as an assistant coach. Bryant was previously an assistant with the Chicago Bulls and worked with guard Coby White.
Bryant is a smart hire, as his familiarity with White could be valuable. The 26-year-old is assuming a bigger role for the Hornets in the 2026-27 season as the starting point guard after they traded All-Star LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In 21 games in the 2025-26 season, White averaged 15.6 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game, shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three. His efficient scoring punch was valuable in the second-half turnaround and run to the Play-In Tournament.
White inked a three-year, $74 million deal to remain with Charlotte. He will be a pivotal piece for the Hornets' future alongside Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectKnueppel had a phenomenal rookie season, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 42.5 percent from distance.
Miller is the other key piece, as the young forward averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a steal per game in his third season in the league.
The Hornets will want White to take a leap as a playmaker, as he will now be their lead ball-handler.
White's best season as a player came in the 2023-24 season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 5.1 assists per game, 19.1 points, and 4.5 rebounds, shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from behind the arc.
If he can average five to seven assists per game, he would be enough of a playmaker to get the offense going while also contributing his best attribute: efficient scoring.
Although Charlotte has made major changes to the roster this offseason, they still have a lot of young talent and could compete for a Play-In spot for the second straight season, with White as a key piece. Adding Bryant to the coaching staff will also help White have a great season.
