Charlotte Hornets’ Center, Mark Williams, Benched Due to Foot Injury

News has emerged that Mark Williams, the center for the Charlotte Hornets, will be absent from the upcoming training camp and initial preseason games due to a strained tendon in his left foot. The team made this announcement on Friday, stating that the injury occurred during a workout session on Thursday. Plans are in place to reassess his condition in a fortnight.

2024 NBA Offseason: A Time of Significant Movement

The current NBA offseason has been bustling with activity. This period has witnessed several key moves from all 30 teams, reshuffling the power rankings as they prepare for the new season. This offseason had also seen some major free agency deals. The shifting landscape has presented some teams with notable dilemmas, including Denver. Moreover, the ‘apron era’ has been ushered in, as noted by Windhorst.

Mark Williams’ Performance and Impact on the Charlotte Hornets

Mark Williams, a 15th overall pick from Duke in the 2022 NBA draft, had an average of 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in just 19 games during the previous season. However, his participation was cut short due to a back injury that kept him out of the game post December 8.

When in good health, Williams has shown promise to be the starting center for the Charlotte Hornets under the guidance of their new coach, Charles Lee. Lee was brought aboard this summer after his successful stint with the Boston Celtics, leading them to an NBA title.

The New Era of Leadership at the Charlotte Hornets

This upcoming season will also mark the first full tenure for Jeff Peterson, the newly appointed executive vice president of basketball operations. Peterson joined the Hornets in March, having previously spent more than four seasons with the Brooklyn Nets.

Both Lee’s and Peterson’s appointments represent significant changes instituted by the new ownership group. The group, helmed by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, took over the Hornets from Michael Jordan in August last year. As the new season approaches, fans and commentators alike will be keen to see the impact of these changes on the team’s performance.