Swarm and Sting
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3 most important Charlotte Hornets for the 2023-24 season

By James Mastrucci

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 11: A detail of the Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on the shorts worn by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 11: A detail of the Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on the shorts worn by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images /
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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) /

Mark Williams

It was a very bold decision by the Charlotte Hornets to not bring in a veteran big man to add to their roster. Instead, they are banking on the continued success of second-year center Mark Williams.

Williams primarily came off the bench last season but was able to get a chance at starting after the Hornets traded Mason Plumlee. Williams took the opportunity in front of him and ran with it, averaging 11.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 17 games as a starter. A more than solid finish to the season and a rare bright spot for the Hornets in a down year.

Charlotte is counting on Williams to at least maintain or even improve upon the level of play he showed down the stretch last season. Having a consistent and productive presence near the basket is crucial to the ultimate success of a team. The teams that do not have one continuously give up offensive rebounds and are not able to generate any for themselves.

Should the gamble of not bringing in a big man experience work, it could pay massive dividends for the franchise and solidify their future at the center position. If not, it would be an all-time backfire as the path to avoid this exact situation was right in front of them and they chose to ignore it anyway.

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