NBA Notes: Hornets, Coby White, Wizards, Alex Sarr, Bulls, Nic Claxton

Hornets

The Hornets will be without Coby White for the entire preseason after the guard strained his left calf during training camp, the team announced. Charlotte has not given a timetable beyond that.

It’s an unwelcome start for White, who re-signed with the Hornets on a three-year, $74 million deal this summer. Calf trouble limited him last season, including a left calf issue discovered during his physical after the Bulls traded him to Charlotte in February.

White isn’t the only Hornet dealing with an injury. Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams have hamstring issues and are expected to be reevaluated during the first week of the regular season. Charlotte would probably like to see its projected lineup together before November.

Wizards

Alex Sarr took a welcome step Monday, participating fully in Wizards practice for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right foot in June. His work included five-on-five contact.

“I was a full go today, [did] most of the drills at the position. Felt good,” Sarr said, via Greg Finberg of Wizards Central. “It’s been a long process.”

Coach Brian Keefe cautioned that Sarr remains in the ramp-up phase, so a full practice doesn’t settle when he’ll play in a game. Sarr is eager to build chemistry with newcomer Anthony Davis. That’s a lot of length for opponents to navigate once both are on the floor. 

Bulls

Nic Claxton’s first preseason with the Bulls will have to wait. The center tweaked his hamstring and will be reevaluated in at least two weeks, coach Tiago Splitter told reporters, via K.C. Johnson.

That rules Claxton out for Chicago’s five preseason games and leaves his availability for the Oct. 21 opener against Toronto uncertain. The Bulls acquired him this summer after seven seasons with the Nets, with plans to make him a major part of their new frontcourt.