The 2024-25 season is finally over. And for Mark Williams, it’s time for a break.
This year has been a roller coaster throughout the NBA, and the Charlotte Hornets big man was one of the team’s most unlikely stories.
In the wake of a global frenzy, they pulled by buying Luka Donsic, and the Los Angeles Lakers followed suit with a contract to acquire Mark Williams ahead of the February 6 trade deadline.
Given the urgent need for the center when Anthony Davis moved to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers’ move was accepted by the Purple and Gold fanbase, as well as the franchise’s legendary Magic Johnson.
However, days after the contract, Los Angeles surprisingly revoked trade with the Hornets. The franchise flagged Williams because of his medical condition. This saw a nasty U-turn by the centre to eventually return to Queen City.
At the rapid turn of events on his part, Williams remained rewind.
It took him several days to handle his failed entry to the lake. And when he returned his first game as a Hornet and accidentally opposed the Lakers, the 23-year-old vehemently stated that there was nothing wrong with his health, claiming he could help LA with his title plan.
He finally admits that he has already moved out of this trade incident with the Lakers, but there is no denying that Williams’ trust in Charlotte has been hit hard.
And in an April 14th season exit interview with the Hornets, Williams offered enticing words whether he hopes to stay as the Hornet after this season.
After the pause, Williams replied, “I think so, I probably mean.”
He added: “I think it gives me a new perspective across the situation.”
And Williams simply garnered the possibilities on the rumours of trade that may show him moving again.
“I’ve been through a year and not many people have had a deal that doesn’t happen,” he continued.
Williams is positive about the Hornets’ outlook despite finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference.
“We didn’t have a continuity with the guys, but when we’re all there, it’s a scary sight. Everyone is moving. I think everyone brings something different to the floor.”
No one in Charlotte accepts Williams’ complicated return as much as Charles Lee.
The Hornets head coach immediately saw something positive from Williams since the Knicks trade took place. And for the rest of the year, he was simply impressed by the continued development of the former Dukester.
In his previous 21 games with him rejoining the Hornets, Williams remained professional and productive, shooting a very consistent 62.5% off the field, talliing 14.9 points, 10.8 boards, 2.5 assists and 1.3 blocks. He played an incredible game last month against the New York Knicks, intriguing NBA fans.
Williams remains uncertain about what’s ahead between him and the Hornets this offseason, but Lee is looking forward to seeing a bigger version of the ball club big man.
“Statistically, he’s posted some double doubles that are easy for him. I think it’s important for him to continue training his body this summer,” Lee said in another exit interview.
“I look forward to having a healthier summer where he can get a little stronger. He’s been in the right place many times, but he has to be a little faster to get off the floor.
“I think sometimes he does a great job of understanding players’ tendencies, and when they drive, he has to be able to make that contact a little better and not give the ground.
“If you’re going strong this year, lift your legs and have a great summer with confidence in his movements, and there’s a big time block he has, so there’s a few places he’s there, so you’ll see him take off in a lot of different areas, especially defensively.”