The Charlotte Hornets face a tight deadline to lock up point guard Coby White before free agency begins. The team acquired White in a trade that gave them the salary-flexibility to re-sign him over the cap. Losing him would remove the only viable backup ball-handler and a player who delivered one of the franchise’s most memorable clutch shots.

White’s presence on the bench provides the Hornets with a reliable ball-first option when the starters rest. He is the only guard on the roster capable of handling the second unit’s offense without hesitation, a role the team has identified as essential for maintaining competitive play in the latter minutes of games.

If the Hornets cannot retain White, the most realistic replacements are Labaron Philon Jr. and Christian Anderson, both expected to be available in the mid-first round. Philon is ranked No. 16 on ESPN’s NBA big board and could fall at the 14th or 18th pick. He brings a great handle, the ability to create his own shot, and a three-point range that aligns with Charlotte’s need for a backup point guard who can stretch the floor. While not the world’s best passer, his overall skill set makes him a viable candidate for the second-unit role.

Christian Anderson offers a similar shooting pedigree and excels in the pick-and-roll, traits that fit the Hornets’ offensive philosophy. However, his undersized frame and limited explosiveness raise concerns about his ability to finish inside the paint, an existing weakness for the team. Still, his three-point shooting could provide the floor-spacing the Hornets desire from a bench guard.

The decision hinges on whether Charlotte values a proven bench guard in White or is willing to gamble on a rookie who may accelerate the team’s growth. Retaining White preserves a known quantity on the bench, while selecting Philon or Anderson would represent a high-upside, but uncertain, draft investment. Either path will shape the Hornets’ roster flexibility and competitive outlook for the upcoming season.