Southeast Roundup: Hornets Welcome Coby White, Powell Manages Injuries, Wagner Brothers Near Returns, Carter Chooses Magic
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Charlotte, NC — The Hornets finalized their deal for guard Coby White after trimming the cost from three to two second-round picks when his physical revealed a left calf issue. Despite the injury, team officials and White alike expressed optimism about a long-term future in Charlotte.
“As soon as I touched down, I felt wanted,” White said. “Everybody here keeps talking about ‘long term.’ Being valued back home means a lot.”
White, 24, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. President of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said acquiring White’s Bird rights was “very, very important” and added, “We hope he’s a Hornet for a very long time.” Head coach Charles Lee praised White’s maturity and competitiveness, noting the guard is already trying to “put his stamp” on the club’s culture.
Heat’s Powell nursing hand and back issues
Miami swingman Norman Powell was listed as questionable for Sunday’s win in Washington with a right hand sprain and later exited in the third quarter because of lower back tightness. The 32-year-old, set for his first All-Star appearance and the three-point contest, downplayed the concerns.
“Being stuck on the plane for a lot of hours and soft beds at the hotel” contributed to the flare-up, Powell said. “I always get a little back flare-up when I’m sleeping on soft mattresses.”
Franz Wagner upgraded; Moritz still regaining confidence
Orlando forward Franz Wagner, sidelined nine straight games and 25 of the past 27 with a left ankle injury, has been upgraded to questionable for Monday’s home matchup with Milwaukee. If he sits Monday, his final pre-All-Star chance to play comes Wednesday, also against the Bucks.
Brother Moritz Wagner, who has appeared in 11 of 12 games since returning from last year’s ACL tear, acknowledged his recovery is ongoing. “My days are full, my recovery protocol is huge, my confidence is still not at a point where it used to be,” he said. “This injury is heavy… it takes a long time.”
Carter joins Magic after Bulls waiver
Guard Jevon Carter signed with the Magic after being waived by Chicago during trade-deadline week. Carter said Orlando’s quick interest made the decision simple. “They wanted me. I like to go where I’m wanted,” he explained, adding that president Jeff Weltman remembered Carter’s 2018 pre-draft workout in Orlando.
Source: HoopsRumors
