Coby White ABSCENCE concerns | Draft REGRET? | MUST-WIN game?

On today’s episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker Mehl tackles the critical absence of Coby White against Portland and evaluates the far-reaching impact the young guard has had since joining the Hornets. Listeners get a clear look at how White’s play has changed the structure and productivity of Charlotte’s bench, and why his physicality and decision-making have been so vital in the squad’s push for postseason security.

But the conversation heats up with a fascinating draft what-if: What if the Hornets selected Donovan Clingan instead of Tidjane Salaun? Walker Mehl rewinds the clock to draft night, mapping out three alternate realities—trading up for Reed Sheppard, landing Stephon Castle, or rolling with Clingan at center. Each scenario comes with ripple effects for Kon Knueppel’s development, the frontcourt depth chart, and the roles of rising contributors like Moussa Diabate.

The episode also checks in on Tidjane Salaun’s trajectory, weighing his progress and the challenges he faces fighting for a rotation spot given the Hornets’ forward logjam led by Miles Bridges and Grant Williams. The show wraps with a preview of the showdown in Portland, highlighting the keys to victory, adjustments with Deni Avdija returning for the Blazers, and Charlotte’s mission to snap a losing streak.

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