Mark Williams quickly became a fan favorite and a key player for the team. Charlotte HornetsAfter years of inconsistent play at center, the team signed the 7-foot-4 talent from Duke. Despite his strong performances, back problems limited his time on the court. So what does the future hold for Williams?
On paper, Williams is the ideal defensive stalwart for the Hornets. With a 7-foot-4 wingspan and a 9-foot-10 standing reach, he’s a force in the paint. So far in his career, he’s averaging 10 points and eight rebounds per game, showing signs of success every time he plays. He’s particularly good at offensive rebounding, ranking in the 97th percentile in the NBA last season.
The biggest question mark is his health. Williams has yet to play a full season and has started fewer than 20 games in his first two years with the team. While he has shown great potential, his injury history raises concerns about his long-term impact. However, the Hornets seem confident in his ability to stay healthy. This offseason, he has been heavily featured by the team on social media and has been involved in various activities. The team’s decision not to sign Donovan Clingan, a highly rated center out of the University of Connecticut, also shows their confidence in Williams.
If Williams stays healthy, he has the potential to become a double-double machine that fits right in with the Hornets’ young core of Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. He could even make a push for an All-Star Game selection and a spot on an All-Defensive team. With the right expectations and care, Mark Williams could have a very successful career with the Charlotte Hornets.
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