Grant Williams’ enjoying does not scream “celebrity.” It does not even actually scream “all star.” However for the Charlotte Hornets, that was it. Williams’ statistical output is nothing particular, however neither is Charlotte’s 1-17 file since he was misplaced for the season.
It was arduous to say on the time, however Williams was the glue that held Charles Lee’s group collectively earlier than he went down with a devastating knee harm. What Grant Williams’ type of play lacks in flash and spotlight, it makes up for in substance and impression. The harm to Charlotte’s key reserve on the courtroom was arguably the deciding consider ending the Hornets’ season.
Grant Williams was a savvy two-way participant who impacted the sport on each ends of the courtroom. On offense, Williams was the Hornets’ jack-of-all-trades.
His skill to set sturdy, authorized screens on the perimeter freed up Brandon Miller for a number of three-point makes an attempt per sport. Her skill to deal with the ball, given her dimension, gave Charlotte a connecting piece that might work wherever on the courtroom. His pull-up capturing skill was an actual transition weapon for the Hornets offense.
Grant Williams’ worth did not lie in a single dominant talent: it got here from the highest flooring, the place he known as upon a myriad of abilities.
He raised Charlotte’s defensive flooring in the identical manner.
Want to alter screens? Williams may maintain his personal towards shifty guards on the perimeter. Have to play small ball as a result of your three true heart choices are on the pin? Williams can punch inside opposing large males, irritating them with fouls and poor selections.
The stats point out that Grant Williams was the mastermind that unlocked numerous Charlotte’s lineups.
In accordance with Cleansing the Glassthree of the Hornets’ 4 highest-scoring lineups that performed greater than 35 possessions included Grant Williams. It is a convoluted reality, however the statistics again it up: Charlotte was higher with Grant Williams on the courtroom.
Additionally by way of Clear the glass, Williams’ internet on/off ranking of +13.7 is second-best on the group, behind stunning contributor Moussa Diabaté. Charlotte’s offense was 13.5 factors per 100 possessions, above their common with Williams on the courtroom, a 98th percentile quantity in all the Affiliation.
There are numerous the explanation why Charlotte’s season has accelerated in latest weeks. Unhealthy capturing, inattentive protection, too many fouls, accidents to LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Tre Mann. And whereas all of that harm the Hornets, none examine to the lack of Grant Williams.
With everybody on the Hornets wholesome, together with Williams and Mann, Charlotte may put collectively a stable 10-man rotation that might compete with anybody. Sadly, at 7-23, Hornets followers can solely dream of the “what ifs” on the subject of well being. Mann continues to overlook time, Grant Williams will not return till late 2025/early 2026 and Charlotte is anticipated to make one other choice within the 2025 NBA Draft lottery.
The Hornets’ disappointing play drew boos from the gang Monday night time.
Miles Bridges challenges Hornets protection after crushing loss
Hornets’ Moussa Diabaté data profession loss
Charles Lee’s first season as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets has reached a crucial level
