Grant Williams finally returned to the Charlotte Hornets' lineup on Saturday after more than 13 months away from the court. After the Hornets had walked away with a historic 150-95 victory in Salt Lake City, Williams had put up a performance that reminded the fanbase how much better he's going to make the team.
Let's not forget that Grant isn't some end-of-the-bench player. He's been a rotation piece on an NBA Finals team, and he was a major difference-maker in Charlotte before he went down in November 2024. This team got deeper in his absence, but his presence is still going to be felt, and that was proven in the win over the Jazz.
Williams put up nine points (three made threes) and eight rebounds (four offensive) in 14 minutes of action. It was a very respectable return to action, and we saw glimpses of how the Hornets are going to look even more fluid at both ends of the floor with Williams as a part of the action.
Grant isn't a super athlete, but he creates advantages by playing a physical brand of basketball and being willing to do a million little things that lead to winning. Things like setting hard and efficient screens, playing smart and tough defense, and being a reliable catch-and-shoot threat are all things that make him a top-tier role player, and one perfectly positioned to elevate Charlotte's core.
Grant Williams is going to further transform the Hornets
The Hornets have orchestrated a hyper-efficient offense this season, particularly in recent weeks, due to increased availability from their stars. When LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges are all in the starting lineup, this team has been winning the majority of its games. Adding a proven guy who knows how to amplify the talents of those around him is only going to strengthen the roster's margin for error.
That’s where Williams fits so cleanly. He specializes in keeping things organized on the hardwood. All throughout the game, he’s setting screens with purpose, keeping possessions from drifting, and opening up driving lanes for the guys who thrive with space.
You saw the defensive impact almost immediately in Utah. The Hornets have competed on that end this season, but the consistency is what's going to come next. Williams brings communication and physicality that help settle things down when possessions start to go awry.
More structure and stability is something the front office has been able to curate in Charlotte with time, and Grant’s return only reinforces that vision. Losses like last week’s head-scratcher against the Pacers should become less common as this team continues to find itself and raise its floor.