The dream starting 5 for Charlotte Hornets 5 years from now

LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
5 of 5

Hornets Dream Starting 5, C: Mark Williams

Mark Williams, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Mark Williams, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

In his rookie year, Mark Williams proved his credentials as the Hornets’ big man of the future. The 7’1” big man secured his spot in the starting five by the end of the season and projects to be given the keys to the big man position on opening night.

Williams may not have spent much time next to LaMelo due to the guard’s injury-hit season, but his rim-running ability and screening skill project to form a deadly pick-and-roll partnership for Charlotte moving forward. Williams ended his first season in the NBA with averages of 9.0 points and 7.1 rebounds on 63.7% shooting from the field.

Defensively, Williams could develop into a lynchpin for the Hornets. Boasting a 7’7” wingspan and an impressive bounce, the drop coverage big man could become the anchor on which Charlotte builds their future roster. With so much scoring around him in this dream lineup, Williams could easily develop into a double-double machine while also flirting with multiple All-Defensive selections.

It was Williams’ strong rookie season that saw him make this lineup, but his incremental improvements and commitment to excelling in his role will see him stay there.