Swarm and Sting
Fansided

3 players the Hornets need to develop, and 2 they should give up on

By Michael Shearer

Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; James Bouknight (Connecticut) walks off the stage after being selected as the number eleven overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; James Bouknight (Connecticut) walks off the stage after being selected as the number eleven overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark Williams, LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 25: LaMelo Ball #1 congratulates Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2023 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Mark Williams

The late-season trade of Mason Plumlee finally opened up some breathing room for first-round pick Mark Williams, and the rookie wasted no time in sucking the oxygen out of opposing offenses’ lungs like a paint-patrolling chupacabra.

Williams was rated as an above-average center in block percentage, steal percentage, and rebounding rate (on both ends). His gargantuan reach allows him to swat layups or three-pointers with equal aplomb, and his rebounding metrics are enticing — the defensive glass went from a team weakness to strength when he started playing big minutes.

Although Charlotte’s garbled end-of-season rotation messed up teamwide numbers, it is worth noting that the Hornets allowed 5.1 fewer points per 100 possessions when Williams was on the floor. Most of that decrease was thanks to opponents’ inability to hit jumpers with Williams on the floor, but his length and surprisingly quick feet were a big part of that.

On offense, Williams is a solid pick-and-roll rim-runner who should be even better with more time alongside LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward. He’s flashed a smooth midrange stroke at times dating back to his college days, and I fervently hope that the Hornets give him the rope to explore a face-up game this season.

Last year, the Hornets did not set Williams up for success. He was stuck in a timeshare at the backup center spot behind the since-traded Mason Plumlee with Nick Richards and Kai Jones.

Now, he’ll enter 2023-2024 as the unquestioned starter. Growing pains are inevitable. But a clearly-defined role and healthier, better teammates should lead to a breakout season from Williams.

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