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The Evolution of Mark Williams

Mark Williams is ready to impress and shock the NBA

Austin Leake

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Going into his sophomore campaign Mark Williams has secured a starting role and has the opportunity to breakout, going from an NBA unknown to underrated. 

Williams, entering his second season in Charlotte appeared in just 43 games. Clifford leaned on more experienced players Nick Richards and Kai Jones for backup center minutes when needed, while Williams played in Greensboro getting up to speed with Steve Clifford’s system. Williams dominated in the G-League, in eleven games putting up 22 points 12 rebounds and just under 2 blocks per game. A mid-season trade of Mason Plumlee opened up an opportunity in which he took full advantage. Williams went from starting in Greensboro to starting on the road in Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, Williams tore the ligament in his right thumb against Detroit which cost him eight of the team’s final 14 games.

After trying to rehab the thumb injury, Williams opted for surgery in June. Williams revealed that the rehab process may have been beneficial “While I was unable to use that right hand I got in a lot of left hand work, which is honestly probably a little blessing in disguise. I was able to navigate it in the weight room.” The good news is according to Steve Clifford Mark Williams is now at 100% and is fully healthy and cleared for training camp. 

Via @Hornets Instagram - August 1st  / @Hornets

Steve Clifford Reveals Key Injury Updates Ahead Of Training Camp

Destined For Success

Mark Williams is destined for success this season. In 17 games as a starter, Williams put up numbers of 11.6 points per game, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. As well, in the 13 appearances where Williams played 25 minutes or more in a contest, he averaged 13.2 points per game, along with 10.5 rebounds. Williams significantly improved as the season went on, even while playing through his thumb injury.

Williams recorded his best game of his rookie season in the last game of the regular season versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams' big night included, 22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks on 90% shooting from the field, in just 30 minutes of play. In the last three games, Williams averaged 16.3 points per game, along with 11.7 rebounds, while shooting a terrific 65.6% from the field.

The most impressive part? Those numbers don't even tell the full story of the impact that Williams already made in his rookie season. 

Improving Charlotte's Defense 

On the defensive end, Mark Williams helped transform the Hornets defense. In the below clips you can see Williams defensive versatility and ability to move his feet. 

The table below shows the true impact Mark Williams made on defense last season.

Chart via: HoopsDrive X - Twitter / @Hoopsdrive

The table uses percentiles and grades to evaluate Williams' true presence on defense that doesn't show up in his stats.

From a statistical perspective, Williams had 11 games of two blocks or more and two games of four or more blocks, coming against the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Williams' career-high in blocks was five against the Rockets.

Another area where Williams improved the Hornets was their defensive rating as a team, pre and post All-Star break. Per NBA.com The Hornets had a defensive rating of 116.5 (25th) before the All-Star break and a defensive rating of 112.3 (8th) after. Personally, as a starter Williams had a defensive rating of 109.4.

Oh, and remember Patrick Ewing? He's back with the Hornets this season as a coaching consultant. Ewing should only further help develop Williams' game as he learns new techniques, skills and improves his defensive understanding of the game.

Ball + Williams Pairing and Improved Roster Health

Last season Williams and Ball rarely played together due to injuries or Williams being in the G-league. Both players games appear to complement each other, meaning fans should be tremendously excited about seeing the duo in full force In fact, in one of the last games they played together, Mark Williams recorded 18 points and 20 rebounds in a win over the Eastern Conference Champions (Miami Heat). 

The addition of Miles Bridges to this roster should only help boost Mark Williams' play. In Bridges last season in Charlotte he was one of the teams most influential playmakers. Bridges' play should open up space for Mark Williams, due to Bridges rim slashing ability. Overall, a healthier Hornets roster should only create more opportunities for Williams.

Gordon Hayward recently spoke about how impressed he was with Mark Williams and how quickly he has adjusted to the NBA game. 

Stretching the Floor

Another potential aspect to Mark Williams' game is his ability to stretch the floor. You can say that there hasn't been enough of a sample size, but Williams showed progress with his shot as the season went on. From 10 to 16 feet, Williams shot 5 of 12. He didn’t take any three point attempts last season, but that could change moving forward. Clifford spoke of Williams’ long term shoot potential often, and on media day Williams said “Yeah, I feel confident taking that shot, if I'm in rhythm it will go up".

If Williams can develop a consistent shot, He would become one of a few elite players who can protect the rim and stretch the floor in a Brook Lopez type role.

Added Strength 

Since the start of training camp has been talk about the added muscle that Mark Williams has put on this summer. Mark Williams was around 245 pounds in his rookie season, but now Williams is up to 260 pounds. 

In summary, Mark Williams is very big. With Williams being limited to what he could do with his torn ligament in his thumb this summer, it allowed Williams to spend more time in the weight room working on his strength. 

Overall

Hornets’ fans should be excited for the future of Mark Williams and look forward to a full season of him. Williams will be a key factor for the Hornets to achieve success this season.

Hornets fans haven't been this excited for a player at the center position since ("Big") Al Jefferson. More encouragingly is Williams' being 7 years younger than Al Jefferson was during his first year in Charlotte, suggesting Williams is far from reaching his best.

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Austin Leake
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