Grant Williams has not been talked about as much as his Charlotte Hornets teammates this offseason. However, he is set to be one of their most important players due to what he brings to the table on and off the floor, and because the Hornets' big man rotation is expected to be a chink in their armor.
Moussa Diabate may or may not turn out to be an NBA-level starting center, but it's tough to shake off the notion that his terrific rebounding skills and high motor may not be enough to compensate for his underdeveloped scoring and defensive abilities.
Ryan Kalkbrenner could still be too inexperienced, and recent history suggests putting him in the starting lineup may not fare well for the team.
The Mason Plumlee signing has also been discussed a lot, as the second-time Hornet doesn't appear to be what the franchise needs. The front office could have targeted other free agents, but it may have been forced to settle for the 35-year-old center.
Meanwhile, the power forward rotation would also be a bit concerning without Williams, as presumptive starter Miles Bridges moves and looks more like a small forward. Projected to play behind him in traditional lineups are the 26-year-old veteran and Tidjane Salaun.
Charlotte could have brought in more frontcourt reinforcement for the needed depth, but instead chose to prioritize guards and wing players, even using its
So, it's looking like coach Charles Lee is going to have to play Williams sixth-man minutes, most of which will be coming at the four. Expect him to be slotted at center, though, because the Hornets are likely going to field small-ball lineups, especially in scenarios where they want a five-out offense but still need someone capable of bodying up against opposing bigs.
Hornets banking on Grant Williams to be glue guy
Besides his positional versatility, Williams could serve as a connector for a club whose best players are still on the younger side. He has enough experience in the league to be Lee's partner in guiding the squad, especially when the road toward progress continues to be rough.
Additionally, the fact that Williams wants to be in Charlotte has to mean something. If he had it his way, he probably wouldn't want to leave the Queen City. Aside from growing up in CLT, he recently admitted regaining his love for basketball after he was shipped to the Hornets at last season's trade deadline.
So, the Hornets might want to take advantage of the 2019 first-round pick's combination of skills and intangibles as they navigate through a new season highlighted by several new faces.