Mark Williams is Finding His Way in Charlotte

Rim protection played a major role in the Charlotte Hornets' 120-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night. Nick Richards recorded five blocks, P.J. Washington had three, and the rookie, Mark Williams, did have five but they took one of them away after the game, so he finished with four.

Williams' growth over the past month or so has become one of the few bright spots in what has been a long, disappointing season for the Hornets. For years, Charlotte has searched for that athletic shot-blocking big that has the ability to score it on the offensive end. It's been the one position they just never found the answer to, until now.

"Oh, I think he can do all of it now," Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said with a big smile. "I mean, the play he made the other night on Trae [Young] when he switched out, now you're talking about an elite offensive player. He read the play, he called the switch. And then he stayed between him and the basket and then he used his length and made really a terrific block. But he had another play tonight. His ability to run the floor. But Mark can also be a really good pick-and-roll defender because he can read things. He's just...he's got to get his talk down. I told him in the game. You can't be a count late in this league. Because once guys see you on the other team that you're late with your talk, he's going to be in pick-and-rolls all night. You play veteran point guards and you're late talking, you're going to be in a hundred of them. That's all part of learning."

Mark Williams clutch block on Trae Young and the transition dunk on the other end.

Huge two-way sequence from the rookie. pic.twitter.com/Nb1OkZQz3G
— Israel (@iohandles) February 14, 2023

Williams entered the league known for his impact on the defensive end, but in the short time he's been in Charlotte he has proven that he is much more than just someone who can change shots at the rim.

"I'll also say this, what surprises you about him.. he can be a very good offensive player too and I don't think he was viewed that way in college," said Clifford. "But he really can. He has instincts. He has feel for the game. He's a pretty good passer. But also, I don't know if it'll be next year but he'll be able to shoot threes. Watch even his free throw, he's got terrific touch."

Even LaMelo Ball believes Williams' offensive value is overlooked.

"I ain't gonna lie. The first time I played with Mark I already knew the boy could hoop. I was like, yeah, he's solid for sure. He can play, roll. He can do everything. Mark just keeps getting better and keeps learning. I think he's got offense. I think he's got a little more he just ain't really trying to pull it all out right now. We got other players, so I don't think he's trying to do too much."

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