New Delhi, Nov. 5 -- NEW YORK - Charlotte finally had Kon Knueppel back in its starting lineup. Less than six minutes later, the Hornets' wait to restore one of their most important shooters had become another injury concern.

Knueppel left his season debut against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday with left leg soreness and did not return. The second-year guard had missed the preseason and Charlotte's first eight regular-season games while recovering from a left hamstring strain sustained during offseason workouts.

The distinction in the team's description matters. The Hornets identified soreness in his left leg, not a newly confirmed hamstring strain or a diagnosis establishing the severity of the setback. No recovery timetable was announ...