Mark Williams was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Williams is being looked at as the answer at Charlotte, dare fans say even the future starter for Buzz City. The fanbase seems like they're ready to dump Mason Plumlee off the wayside though, so their is a lot of optimism that Williams will supplant Plumlee as the starter with time. He does possess a lot of natural things you can not teach, like size, length, and the innate ability to contest shots at a high level. Which is why he was brought to Charlotte. Here are three bold predictions on his rookie season in 2022-23.
3 bold predictions for Hornets rookie Mark Williams
#1 – Starter from day one
They are bold predictions right? Might as well start with the best one. As much as Hornets fans trash Plumlee, he is actually a solid starting center. six in a half points and a little under eight rebounds don't scream superstar center, but he played his role well for the Hornets in the 2021-22 season. He is also a smart passer out of the five spot as well. Despite all those positive things being said, Mark Williams can win the job in training camp.
Williams is a legit seven footer with a 7'7 wingspan. He can come in right away and erase shots around the rim in Charlotte. If he's not blocking them, he will surely alter the, those are freakishly long arms he will be sporting for his NBA career. His offense is sure to be a work in progress. Still, it might be a safe gamble that he can average north of 10 points if utilized correctly. It's not like he needs his number called for plays, but just for second chance points and running pick & roll with LaMelo Ball. He did shoot 72% from the field back at Duke in his sophomore season. The kid is pretty efficient around the rim.
#2 – Make All-Rookie 1st team
Now don't lose your mind when you read that subheading. Yes Williams plays center and so does Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He is sure to have a solid season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Still the argument could be made that Williams can have a better season. Individual success is awesome and the better your teammates are, the better player you will be able to come in some players cases.
Williams is about to have the opportunity to play with one of the best point guards in the league with LaMelo Ball. Ball has shown early that he can elevate the play of his Hornets teammates. Williams could become one of his favorite targets around the rim for easy lobs and dump offs. Plus, he'll be playing with Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward. Both guys are smart players that know how to create for others. Holmgren is playing with young talented guys as well, but Williams has the edge in that department.
#3 – At least 1.5 blocks per game
His calling card is going to be his defense from day one. With those ridiculous measurements that he has, averaging 1.5 blocks a game in his first Hornets campaign is a realistic feat. He has a high motor where he will contest pretty much anything. Even it means getting posterized in the process, he will still attempt to put himself in the picture to alter it. Some of the best shot blockers in the league today contest anything with reckless abandonment and that is what we will see from Williams.
Even if he doesn't start from day one, like most of the fanbase demands, he should see the floor enough where he can make an impact on the defensive side of the ball. It won't be easy as a rookie to find playing time, especially with the other amount of bigs that will be on roster. Nick Richards, Kai Jones, even JT Thor could see some time at the center spot.
It will be Steve Clifford's first season with this new group, so everyone has a fair shot to nab a roster spot. Williams is going to have to stand out in the Summer League. Make a good impression early, show them that what the scouting reports said about you is true, and have fun. The Hornets are a long way from training camp, but the work does start immediately for the rookie. The predictions above may be a little outlandish, but they are supposed to be bold, so lets see if he lives up to the lofty expectations. The fanbase may be expecting a lot, but his coaches and teammates will want even more.
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