When you think about the Hornets’ surge over the past two months, it’s easy to point straight to the starting lineup. Ever since Moussa Diabate stepped into that group, Charlotte has looked like a completely different team. But beneath the obvious storylines lies the real magic: the Hornets’ true unsung hero is a seasoned veteran quietly contributing to their success. Grant Williams has been a genuine needle mover.
The versatile big man is a true plug‑and‑play piece in any lineup, thanks to his ability to slide between the four and small‑ball five. Over his last five games, Williams has been on a tear, knocking down 55 percent from three while averaging 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest. Since returning from injury, he’s essentially embodied the ideal modern 3‑and‑D player.
A former No. 22 pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williams has brought far more to Charlotte than the box score ever reveals. His experience, toughness, and basketball IQ have become the connective tissue holding the Hornets together, and there’s real evidence to show that.
Defensive stud
Williams is a strong defender, even if his impact doesn’t always show up in traditional stats like steals and blocks. Some people treat those numbers as the only markers of good defense, but that completely misses what makes Williams so effective. He consistently stays in front of his assignment, forces tough shots, and disrupts possessions without needing the highlight plays.
The advanced metrics paint the full picture. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Hornets allowed 8.1 fewer points per 100 possessions with Williams on the floor — a mark that ranks in the 96th percentile league-wide. He’s arguably the best defensive player currently on the roster.
And it doesn’t stop there. Despite appearing in only 21 games this season, Williams holds a +149 plus/minus, outperforming teammates like Miles Bridges and Ryan Kalkbrenner. There are simply too many indicators showing that the Hornets are a better team whenever Williams is out there.
You’re getting 20 minutes a night of steady, winning basketball from a veteran who knows exactly how to impact the game. His contributions don’t stuff the stat sheet, but they’re undeniably effective. This is the kind of minutes coaches trust because they stabilize a lineup and elevate the players around him. Ever since the Hornets acquired Williams back in 2024 and brought the native back to his hometown, the impact has been considerably noticeable.
The same can be said for Josh Green, who has been terrific in his own right, bringing energy, efficiency, and smart decision‑making every time he checks in. These types of players are so important as they don’t need plays drawn up for them. Williams has a defined role and he plays it well.