Hornets' Bright Future Hinges on Mark Williams, But Draft Lottery Looms Large

Zach Lowe sees potential in Charlotte Hornets' young center Mark Williams, but warns that their success could be complicated by the NBA draft lottery.

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

ESPN's Zach Lowe recently shared his insights on the Charlotte Hornets, particularly highlighting the potential impact of young center Mark Williams and the team's delicate balance between winning and securing a high draft pick.

Lowe expressed optimism about Williams' future, noting the flashes of potential he's shown despite limited playing time. The Hornets, too, remain hopeful that Williams, who has battled some health issues, will be a key contributor this season.

"They're optimistic he's going to be healthy," Lowe said. "I think he's shown flashes of being a really interesting player for a team that needs somebody with that skill set, and he's just completely under the radar because he's barely played."

Lowe's comments suggest that the Hornets might be better than many expect. He sees them as a team that could "punch a little bit above its weight" and potentially surprise people with their win total.

🎙️ @ZachLowe_NBA: "I think that's an interesting team in Charlotte that could punch a little bit above its weight."

"If things go really right for them, like win more games than they really would like to, they can take steps to ensure that they don't win so many games." 🤔 https://t.co/qnUMyKj59p

— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) September 5, 2024

However, this potential success carries a caveat. Lowe hinted at the possibility of the Hornets deliberately losing games if they find themselves winning too much.

"If things go really right for them, like win more games than they really would like to, they can take steps to ensure that they don't win so many games," he said.

This comment shines a light on the complex dynamics of the NBA draft lottery, where teams often face a dilemma between pursuing immediate wins and positioning themselves for a top draft pick. While tanking is a controversial practice, it remains a reality for many teams, especially those in rebuilding phases.

Overall, Lowe's comments suggest a Hornets team with some intrigue, particularly if Williams emerges as a reliable presence. However, their path forward might be influenced by the ever-present shadow of the NBA draft lottery.

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