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3 Reasons Hornets should target Grant Williams in free agency

By Adam Taylor

Grant Williams, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Grant Williams, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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#2 WIlliams’ would bring defensive versatility to the Hornets

Grant Williams would add defensive versatility to the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Grant Williams would add defensive versatility to the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Not many players coin their own nickname, but during the 2021-22 NBA season, Grant Williams did just that after shutting down Nikola Jokic during a regular-season win over the Denver Nuggets. Williams’ performance against the two-time MVP isn’t anything new. The Celtics forward has developed a reputation for stellar defense against some of the league’s more dominant interior forces.

Jokic goes by the nickname of ‘The Joker.’ The comic book hero who often stops The Joker from executing his devious plans is…Batman…and so, Williams’ nickname was born.

Beyond being a valuable defender against the top-tier bigs in the NBA, Williams is also capable of guarding multiple positions on the floor and, at times, has shone in Boston’s switch-everything defense – especially when guarding 3-through-5.

Steve Clifford is a defense-first head coach and would likely love what Williams would bring to the team’s rotation as a perimeter and interior defender. The Celtics forward has also proven to be a fierce competitor and has played a big role in Boston’s recent post-season success, competing in multiple conference finals and an NBA Finals. As such, Williams would also bring a winning mentality to the Hornets’ roster, along with some much-needed locker-room leadership.