Hornets Dream Starting 5, C: Mark Williams
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.
Charlotte Hornets start, bench, cut: Gordon Hayward, Brandon Miller, Cody Martin
The Charlotte Hornets will have some tough roster decisions to make at the start of the season, including which small forward loses their rotation spot.