Charlotte Hornets Forward Suffers Season-Ending Injury

The Hornets front court got a bit thinner this weekend after a season-ending injury.

Nov 19, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Charlotte Hornets received bad news on Sunday as forward Grant Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Williams. Williams has appeared in 16 games this season, averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists this year.

The Hornets are 6-10 on the young season, Williams unfortunately suffered the right knee injury in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 125-119 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks as he's driving to the basket with less than four minutes in the game.

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams has suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his knee, sources told ESPN. Williams averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season. pic.twitter.com/VPeJSLo3vz

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 24, 2024

Williams, a former first round draft pick with the Boston Celtics in 2019, joined the Hornets in a trade from the Dallas Mavericks at the deadline last season. He had established himself as a starter along with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges.

Charlotte confirmed the 6-foot-6 forward's knee injury on Sunday, declaring him out indefinitely as he undergoes ACL reconstruction and recovery. His absence could offer opportunities for Moussa Diabate, Tidjane Salaun and Taj Gibson until Mark Williams and Nick Richards can return.

The six-year NBA veteran has averaged 7.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists throughout his career.

The 25-year old veteran now faces surgery and a six to nine month recovery. He signed a four-year $53 million deal with the Boston Celtics, which is still active. The Celtics traded Williams to the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2023 but was traded away before both his former teams played in the NBA Finals last season.

Williams played his college basketball at Tennessee and was a two-time SEC Player of the Year.