Hornets finally have the perfect complement to LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Hornets have completed a trade that many are struggling to process. Just as he began to realize his All-Star potential, Mark Williams was shipped out in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that saw Charlotte confusingly prioritize the future at the expense of a young star on the rise.

Much can be said about the Hornets' decision to part ways with Williams, but they've found a truly perfect complement to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in Dalton Knecht.

Williams was in the midst of a remarkable streak of form, seemingly establishing himself as a future All-Star. Since Dec. 30, he's recorded averages of 18.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.9 offensive boards, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game.

Just as Williams was hitting his stride, however, he was sent to the Lakers in a deal that centered around Knecht and future draft compensation.

It's going to take some time for Hornets fans to come to terms with losing Williams, but Knecht is far from a consolation prize.

Dalton Knecht is the wing the Hornets have long needed

The Hornets have made no secret about their intention to play through Ball and Miller as the primary shot creators. Ball leads the NBA in field goal attempts per game, and Miller is in the top 25 in that same statistical category.

With both players playing in relatively ball-dominant roles, the Hornets desperately needed a wing who could complement them both with and without the rock in their hands.

Knecht is the perfect fit in that regard as a 23-year-old sharpshooter who has three-level scoring potential. He boasts the uncanny ability to not only shoot the lights out, but comfortably play above the rim and even create his own offense.

Thus far in 2024-25, that's translated to Knecht averaging 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 three-point field goals made on .465/.358/.825 shooting in just 20.7 minutes per game.

Those figures translate to 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes. That's a fair representation of what he could provide on a nightly basis during the remainder of his rookie season with more touches coming his way.

Knecht has proven as much by averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 three-point field goals made during 12 starts in 2024-25.

It's also worth noting that Knecht has the capacity to truly take over a game when he gets hot. He scored a career-high 37 points on Nov. 19 and already has five 20-point outings despite the fluctuating nature of his playing time in Los Angeles.

With a more defined role and a much brighter green light in Charlotte, Knecht should thrive both on and off the ball alongside Ball and Miller.