The Hornets’ frontcourt future – Mark Williams and Kai Jones

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 15: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets poses during the 2022 NBA Rookie Portraits at UNLV on July 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 15: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets poses during the 2022 NBA Rookie Portraits at UNLV on July 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs were once a dominant force in the past with two Hall Of Fame big men in David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

Fast forward to the present day and the Cleveland Cavaliers have made a huge jump due to their frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

These are just two of the past examples that have helped to lay the blueprint for success for the Charlotte Hornets.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 08: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots a free throw against the Indiana Pacers during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 08: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots a free throw against the Indiana Pacers during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The foundation of Charlotte’s frontcourt will be this year’s 15th overall pick Mark Williams. Williams comes in the league with the expectation of being a great rim protector, standing at 7’2” with a wingspan of 7’7”. Williams is a ferocious dunker, leading college basketball with 96 dunks a season ago. Having a center who can run the floor, control the glass, and finish lobs while making 72% of his free throws means that the Hornets may have found their center for years to come.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 27: Kai Jones #23 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Media Day at Spectrum Center on September 27, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 27: Kai Jones #23 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Media Day at Spectrum Center on September 27, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The second piece of Charlotte’s dynamic frontcourt duo is Kai Jones. Jones’ potential is high, and he will only continue to get better. A former track and field athlete, Jones has incredible speed for such a tall player. He has flashed his potential as a lob threat and can also put the ball on the floor, knock down open jump shots, and block shots at the rim. Jones’ intangibles are evident, and his work ethic increases his odds of developing into a force for Charlotte.

Williams at center and Jones at power forward could be a potentially lethal combination for the Hornets. With LaMelo Ball orchestrating the offense and setting up Williams and Jones, the Hornets could have a duo of stalwart big men. In a league built around the three-point shot and dynamic wing players, Charlotte could look to go another way and focus on their fearsome frontcourt fusion of Williams and Jones.