5 Free agents Hornets should target to replace Grant Williams

It seems the injury bug has not let up against the Charlotte Hornets, as it has claimed another victim. Unfortunately, Grant Williams might have to miss the remainder of the season after reportedly being diagnosed with tears to the ACL, meniscus, and associated ligaments in his right knee.

The gruesome injury compounded the Hornets' 125-119 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday despite All-Star-worthy performances from LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Williams had his flaws for sure, including trying to be a hero during crunch time. But even so, his energy and effort on both ends of the court, as well as his positional versatility, proved valuable to Charlotte. The veteran has also established himself as a locker room leader for the young squad.

Looking for Williams' replacement in the free agency market

It would be tough to replace the nearly 30 minutes per game that had been allotted to Williams. Tidjane Salaun should soak up some of those minutes, although he has had an even rookie stint at this point. The imminent returns of Mark Williams and Nick Richards and the emergence of Moussa Diabate should also help mitigate the unfortunate loss.

Still, the front office might want to check what's left in the free agency bin to find a replacement for Grant Williams.

Oshae Brissett

Last season, Oshae Brissett was on top of the world as he helped the Boston Celtics' championship run. He played limited minutes, although he was able to display his potential to be an elite role player because of his high energy, athleticism, and effort on both ends of the court. Imagine a younger Grant Williams but with an undeveloped outside shooting.

Brissett bet on himself in the 2024 free agency, but no one has signed him yet to a contract. Maybe a reunion with Charles Lee is in order, as the Hornets coach was one of Joe Mazzulla's assistant coaches in the previous campaign.

Robert Covington

There was once a time when Robert Covington was a prime example of a 3-and-D role player. However, he is now 33 years old and is coming off a season that saw him sidelined for an extended stretch because of a knee injury.

He appears healthy now but has yet to find a team. Perhaps the Hornets should give him a look, as his skill set is pretty similar to that of Grant Williams. Some might even say that Covington is better at spacing the floor and defending opponents.

Jae Crowder

Despite being one of the hottest names during the 2024 free agency, Jae Crowder has remained unsigned. He spent the 2023-24 campaign with the Bucks. While his numbers were uninspiring, the journeyman's value goes beyond his stats.

Aside from being able to replace Grant Williams' 3-and-D and leadership roles, Crowder would also give Charlotte the necessary toughness it needs around Ball and Miller.

Marcus Morris Sr.

Another veteran still available in the waiver wire is Marcus Morris Sr. He was even reportedly linked to the Hornets this past offseason, although nothing came out of the rumor. Instead, he signed a training camp deal with the New York Knicks before finding himself a free agent again.

If Charlotte wants a player who can play any frontcourt position and space the floor well, Morris Sr. could be its guy. He has shot 37.7 percent from 3-point land for his entire career, and it was only four seasons ago when he connected on 47.3 of his attempts from that range while suiting up for the LA Clippers.

Lamar Stevens

Lamar Stevens has yet to really fulfill his two-way potential. However, his defense had been beneficial to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Celtics during his tenure with those teams. The 27-year-old combo forward can also shoot decently from outside, making him a possibly good fit with the rest of the Hornets roster.

Currently playing for the Motor City Cruise, Stevens doesn't have a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. So, he is technically a free agent and deserves consideration from the Hornets' front office.