Swarm and Sting
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Three Charlotte Hornets with the most to prove this season

By Evan Birchmore

Sep 26, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight (2) poses during Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight (2) poses during Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 26: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Charlotte Hornets Media Day at Spectrum Center on September 26, 2022 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 26: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Charlotte Hornets Media Day at Spectrum Center on September 26, 2022 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) /

Mark Williams

It may seem a bit premature to list Mark Williams as one of the players with the most to prove for the Charlotte Hornets this season. However, with high expectations comes high responsibility, and Williams was drafted in hopes of filling the gaping hole at the center position for the Hornets.

While he does not necessarily need to become a stalwart at the center position this season, he does need to at least show the potential of becoming Charlotte’s long-term solution at the position. With incumbent starter Mason Plumlee entering unrestricted free agency in 2023 and with fellow big man Nick Richards entering restricted free agency at the same time, there is a chance that Williams is the only returning center for the 2023-24 season.

While the Hornets have another young big man in Kai Jones, he represents more of a long-term project as opposed to an expected contributor in the near future. If Williams can begin to show flashes of being a rim protector and a pick-and-roll partner with LaMelo Ball this season, the future will begin to look much brighter both for Williams and for the Hornets.

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