Hornets' Kon Knueppel nears return, assigned to practice with G League affiliate on Thursday

Though Knueppel is still listed as out for Friday's matchup at the Washington Wizards, being assigned to practice with the Greensboro Storm is an encouraging sign that the second-year sharpshooter is nearing a return after missing the Hornets' first five games of the season with a strained left hamstring . Friday's game is the first of a back-to-back for Charlotte, who hosts the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. So perhaps the team is waiting to play him at home or maybe his season debut will be Monday versus the Detroit Pistons.