Mark Williams, Nick Richards officially begin rehab stint en route to rejoining Hornets

Mark Williams and Nick Richards are on the path back to the Hornets.

Nov 6, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) and center Mark Williams (5) sit on the bench during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

For once, the Charlotte Hornets have been given some encouraging injury news. Both Mark Williams and Nick Richards are beginning a rehab assignment with the Greensboro Swarm, meaning they're one major step closer to rejoining the NBA team. Speaking of that team, they, especially the frontcourt, have been swamped by major injuries, so either Richards or Williams is needed back sooner rather than later.

Mark Williams and Nick Richards officially join Greensboro Swarm to start rehab

OFFICIAL: @hornets have assigned Nick Richards and Mark Williams to the @greensboroswarm for a rehab assignment. They will practice with the Swarm today in Charlotte.

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) November 25, 2024

Nick Richards has played just 138 minutes in total. Mark Williams hasn't seen the court and was limited to just 19 games last season, too. Both have officially been transferred to the Greensboro Swarm so they can begin rehab assignments. They are officially practicing with the G-League team today.

It is unclear how long the rehab assignments will be. Both will need to get back up to game speed, which may take longer for Williams. The last time he played an NBA game was December 8, 2023. It's been almost a calendar year off, while Richards appeared in five games this season.

The Hornets just lost Grant Williams for the season to a torn ACL, leaving their frontcourt full of injured bodies. Miles Bridges is also temporarily out, which has left big minutes for Moussa Diabate, Tidjane Salaun, and Taj Gibson.

It has been a steady diet of bad injury news for the Hornets over the first 16 games this season, but seeing Williams and Richards closer than ever to getting back in the rotation is a welcome and positive development.

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