Mark Williams aims to make Hornets regret trading him twice
Mark Williams expresses his feelings about leaving the Hornets
The narrative surrounding Mark Williams and the Charlotte Hornets is far from amicable. The former Hornets center has made it abundantly clear that he holds a grudge about being traded—not once, but twice—within a short span of just five months. This situation reflects a larger trend in the NBA, where teams are reluctant to invest in players who struggle with durability.
The Hornets, already facing concerns about LaMelo Ball’s health, seemed to lose patience with Williams, whose availability became a significant issue. The first trade, which would have sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, was ultimately rescinded. However, this merely postponed the inevitable, as the Hornets officially dealt him to the Phoenix Suns in June.
Durability concerns shape Williams’ trajectory
Analyzing Williams’s statistics, one could argue that the Hornets acted prematurely. He averaged an impressive 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season, showcasing the potential that made him the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Duke. His physical attributes suggest he has the makings of a franchise center, attracting interest from both the Lakers and the Suns.
Yet, the reality is that Williams has struggled to stay on the court, participating in fewer than 36 games per season over his first three years in the NBA. While that might be acceptable in a college setting, it poses a significant challenge in a grueling 82-game NBA schedule, particularly for a player expected to be a cornerstone of a franchise.
Though there’s inherent risk in moving on from a player as young as Williams—who is only 23—many Hornets fans may view this decision through a lens of skepticism. If Williams can maintain his health and excel with the Suns, it’s likely that fingers will be pointed at general manager Jeff Peterson. However, the more probable outcome is that Williams continues to navigate the ups and downs of his career, potentially joining the list of former Hornets first-round picks who didn’t reach their full potential in Charlotte or elsewhere.
Williams is determined to prove the Hornets wrong
Despite the circumstances, it’s hard to root against Williams. He comes across as a genuinely good person, and fans can only hope he thrives in his new environment. For the Hornets, moving on from Williams may be viewed as a prudent decision in terms of competitive strategy, allowing them to focus on other players.
In a recent statement, Williams articulated his desire to make the Hornets regret their decision to trade him. “To be where you’re wanted is always great. So to be here, it’s exciting,” he said. “Once you traded me the first time, it was only a matter of time before I was gone. I just plan on making them regret that decision every time I step on the floor.”
With these words, Williams has set the stage for a career chapter that promises to be filled with intensity and determination. As he dons the Suns jersey, the stakes have never been higher for both him and the Hornets.
