We have reached the culmination of the 2023-24 Charlotte Hornets’ evaluation. This week’s editorial will spotlight the Center position, which is pivotal in any team’s triumph. What’s a common thread if you observe the 2024 NBA playoffs and see the teams in the mix? They all boast of elite centers who thrive in their roles. The Hornets are fortunate to have two such centers, Mark Williams and Nick Richards, who are not just players but integral parts of their promising future. Their potential impact on the team’s future success is a beacon of hope for all Charlotte Hornets fans.
Mark Williams and Nick Richards have demonstrated their resilience, mainly when near the basket and at the free-throw line, effectively countering teams’ attempts to use the foul method. Their triumph, however, is intricately linked to the performance of LaMelo Ball, whose ability to stay on the court is paramount. Beyond these two, Charlotte has a reservoir of promising players who can further fortify the team’s depth, including Marques Bolden and Nathan Mensah. How will these players fare? Let’s delve into their performance and appreciate their skill and resilience.
Mark Williams
Drafted with the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Mark Williams was touted as the center that would fill the void that hasn’t been filled since Al Jefferson. After Mason Plumlee was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, Williams stepped in and became the team’s starting center. He started seventeen games during the 22-23 season, averaging 11.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Williams shot 62% from the field, 66% from the line, and had a true shooting percentage of 64%. How would he fair as the day one starter? Let’s break it down.
Pros
Williams did just that when it came to producing when you’re on the floor, even if his number of games was limited. Williams shot 64% from the field, which included a very impressive 74% from close (0-3 feet). He was also an outstanding free-throw shooter for a big, as he knocked down over 70% of his attempts from the line (73%). Williams also showcased his rim-protecting skills with his 1.1 blocks per game average.
Williams was also a dynamic offensive rebounder, averaging 4 per game. In the fifteen games Williams played with LaMelo Ball, he averaged 13.5 points and 10.1 rebounds. Williams was on a trajectory to being one of the best young centers this season, but it all came crashing down.
Cons
During a November game against the Brooklyn Nets, Williams started to feel a pain in his back that he didn’t think anything too serious about. The pain increased a few days later against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which caused him to sit out against the Chicago Bulls. He gave it one more go against the Toronto Raptors, but he was forced to leave the game in the third quarter. That would be the last time Mark Williams was seen on the court as he missed the remainder of the season due to those back problems. Williams only played in nineteen games.
I can honestly say that Mark Williams positively impacted the Hornets starting five. The team was better both offensively and defensively when he was on the floor vs. when he wasn’t. It makes me wonder if the Hornets would’ve won a few more games IF Williams had more available.
Grade: B- (A if he could’ve stayed healthy).
Nick Richards
Drafted with the 42nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Nick Richards began his NBA career as a power forward, playing in eighteen games. Each year since his rookie season, Richards has seen an increase in minutes, which means an increase in production. Stepping in Mark Williams as the starting center for the team, Richards would average 10.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks.
Pros
Like Mark Williams, Nick Richards proved very effective in the paint. He shot 69% from two-point range, which included 78% from 0-3 feet and 55% from 3-10 feet. Richards also proved himself an elite rim protector, averaging 1.1 blocks per game (20th in the NBA). Watching Nick Richards during the season, he was a guy who just went out there and did his job. There wasn’t a flare or pizzazz to his game; Richards just went out there and gave you everything he had to impact the game. Richard was also dependable, playing in 67 games. Richards was 17th in the league for total rebound percentage (17.2%), 13th in offensive rebound percentage (10.7%), and 16th in block percentage (3.9%).
Cons
Considering the pressure I felt that Nick Richard was under to continue with the consistent play that was now missing with Mark Williams out, Richards did reasonably well. The Hornets’ offense did seem to do better when he wasn’t on the floor compared to him being on the floor (108.3 RTG with vs. 111.2 RTG without).
Grade: B+
Nathan Mensah
After spending five seasons at San Diego State University, averaging 6.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 146 games, winning the Mountain West defensive player of the year twice, Mensah went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft. He would sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Hornets in September of 2023 before being released in October of the same year after a solid showing in the G-League, where he averaged 10.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks; Mensah was brought back to the Hornets in December where he played in 25 games for the team.
Pros
Mensah had to grind his way onto the Hornets. Despite being waived and brought back, Mensah never hung his head and continued to work despite the constant yo-yo. When he was out there on the floor, Mensah gave the Hornets solid backup center minutes. He stuck to his defensive makeup and went out there and worked hard.
Cons
With all of the injuries on the backline for the Hornets, I would’ve liked for him to make the organization make some decisions. In the three games he played over 20 minutes, Mensah scored 4 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked three shots. I would’ve liked to see more production, but he gave you what he could.
Grade: D+
Marques Bolden
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Bolden would get his start with the Cleveland Cavaliers Summer League team. Bolden would go on to play in Cleveland, Utah, and Milwaukee before signing a 10-day contract with the Hornets on February 20, 2024. He signed a two-way contract with the team in March 2024, playing nine games.
In the season’s final game, Bolden would score 14 points, grab eight rebounds, and block four shots in 29 minutes of action. In the team’s final eight games, Bolden shot 70% from the field and averaged one block. I wish I had more to discuss, but there wasn’t enough.
Grade: INC
In Conclusion.
The great Maya Angelou said, “Talent is like electricity. We don’t understand electricity. We use it.” The 2023-24 Charlotte talent has been dormant due to injuries, taking their abilities to use it. Mark Williams was on a path to stardom until his back decided not to cooperate. Nick Richards showcased his talent, but with Williams’s pending return, he will be the question mark. The uncertainty of the position opened up opportunities for guys who have been trying to find their place in this league.
Overall Grade: C
My Grading.
I know you’re wondering how a 21-win team obtained a C average. I credit the ownership and General Manager for getting out of the Michael Jordan shadow of the Hornets and PROPERLY re-building this team. Steve Clifford gave it his all as the head coach, which is commendable. The Hornets overall showed me that if they can stay healthy, they can be a team on the rise in the eastern conference.
2023-24 Hornets Grading
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