Injuries have been the story of the Charlotte Hornets' life early in the 2024-25 campaign. They likely entered the regular season planning for Mark Williams, Nick Richards, Miles Bridges, and Grant Williams to soak up most of the minutes at the big men spots.
Unfortunately, all four are missing right now. While Grant Williams' condition for the remainder of the season is already clear, the statuses of the other three remain up in the air.
Adding insult to injury is the absence of Tre Mann, who is slated to miss his third straight game (and sixth this season). Without him, Charlotte's bench unit has underperformed.
Charles Lee's injury updates don't appear promising
Hornets coach Charles Lee provided an update, if that, on the key players prior to their bout versus the Miami Heat. He could have been more detailed, though, to offer fans some more optimism, especially after news that Mark Williams and Richards have been assigned to continue their rehab with the franchise's G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.
However, Lee still cannot provide a timetable for the center duo and even Bridges. He said the forward had just started to get back to the court. As for Mark Williams and Richards, they have just undergone their first contact practice.
The limited information about the three can be concerning, given that they have been out longer than expected. Of course, it's always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with injuries. But their absence, despite opening up opportunities for Tidjane Salaun and Moussa Diabate to earn some run, has resulted in some unfortunate losses.
While Lee had a somewhat rosy outlook for the trio, he offered a dimmer forecast about Mann's return. He remarked that the progress the young guard has made has been slower than expected and that the team will be thoughtful with the management of Mann's recovery.
The extended absence has not only impacted his Sixth Man of the Year campaign but may have also resulted in an underwhelming Hornets offense. The squad ranks just 24th in average points and 28th in average assists. When LaMelo Ball sits, the offense has looked more stagnant than usual because no other reserve has been able to create shots for himself and his teammates as Mann had done.
It remains to be seen when the Hornets can finally field a healthy lineup. Given Lee's updates, fans may have to wait a little longer.