Coby White will play a big role as he enters his first full season with the Charlotte Hornets. With the departure of LaMelo Ball, White will take over playmaking duties. He will also embrace a leadership role as one of the seasoned players on the young roster.

The Hornets will try to build on the momentum from their inspired run last season, wherein they qualified for the Play-In Tournament and nearly ended a nine-year playoff drought.

On Media Day on Monday, the 26-year-old White talked about their improved chemistry, the team's vision, and re-signing with Charlotte, among other things. Toward the end of his press conference, the high-scoring guard made a special shoutout, as reported by WCNC Charlotte's Nick Carboni.

“Hornets guard Coby White threw out support for former (Charlotte) Observer beat writer Rod Boone, whose position was eliminated. Coby gets it,” wrote Carboni on X.

Here's the moment #Hornets guard Coby White threw out support for former Observer beat writer @rodboone who's position was eliminated. Coby gets it. https://t.co/9FLJKAbmPu pic.twitter.com/tbt6FOTNZc

— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) September 28, 2026

Boone, who had been with the Charlotte Hornets for five years, was among the staff axed in the latest round of layoffs.

“This means the paper of record that has covered the franchise since its inception in 1987 will no longer have a writer dedicated to giving readers the latest daily insight on the team. Training camp starts in two weeks,” lamented Boone on X.

Fans saluted White for his classy gesture.

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“Coby is such a real one,” said @jmoye421985.

“That speaks volumes,” added @sigmaman_1914.

“Coby White has solidified his status as my favorite current Hornet,” wrote @BallDontLieFC.

“Beautiful gesture,” stated @Dave_Enna.

“Classy move there,” commented @DJTet_.

The Hornets acquired White, along with Mike Conley Jr., in a trade with the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Ousmane Dieng, Collin Sexton, and draft capital in February.

In July, White re-signed with the Hornets on a three-year, $74 million contract.