Letter: Is Mark Williams truly well? How is Charlotte going to use the available roster spot?
Questions remain, as always, regarding the Charlotte Hornets. In this edition of Mailbag, we address reader questions regarding the open spot on the Hornets main roster, Josh Green’s expected starting position, a special memory of Patrick Doughty (often referred to as “Big Pat”), and other topics.
MARK WILLIAMS On X, formerly known as Twitter, Johnny Oatmeal queries: Due to a broken back, Mark Williams missed nearly the entire previous year.
Why is he being called our starting center by so many? Is another big man needed just in case? Since Mark Williams is the starting center, that is what people are referring to him as.
Just because he was hurt last season does not mean anything has changed in that regard. He begins when he is free. Discussion comes to an end.
Until he proves otherwise, you have to take him at his word that he is fully well. When The Observer had an exclusive interview with him during summer league, he expressed his desire to disprove those who doubted his ability to return to the caliber of play he was at before his injury-plagued second season.
The largest challenge for Williams will be shaking off the rust that results from a prolonged absence from the game.
However, aside from backup center Nick Richards, the Hornets should make sure they have enough players at that position. A hybrid solution would be advantageous because Taj Gibson, a seasoned professional, currently handles that role in an emergency. It would be prudent to add a power forward/center as a result.
ROSTER CHANGES On X, Matthew Argo queries: How do you think we should use the last spot? It is likely that the final primary spot will remain unfilled, or at the very least, a player will be signed to a non-guaranteed contract in case the Hornets’ management has a move planned down the line.
Jeff Peterson, president of basketball operations, will have more flexibility to make roster improvements after training camp when that spot is kept open.
A player might be required to cover a specific position. Recall that the Hornets have historically used that position to add stopgaps for injured players who were sidelined during the preseason, such as when they started Theo Maldeon in 2021 after LaMelo Ball got hurt.
smashed. Therefore, unless that position is filled by a proven player who could join the Hornets right away, it would be surprising to see someone take it. Not to mention that the Hornets have a two-way slot available as well, which Mouhamadou Gueye may ultimately end up using.
Before sustaining an ankle injury in the second game of the California Classic, he appeared healthy and might have the chance to stay around.
JOSH GREEN’S STATUS Do you think Josh Green will start at point guard and, if so, do you think Brandon Miller will play there as well? De White queries on X. Josh Green is currently ranked as the second guard, but things can change at any time.
That query was put to Charles Lee specifically by The Observer after the deal was made official. Lee responded that he did not want to label Green until he had seen a little more footage of the Hornets’ acquisition, had spoken with Green, and had spent time with him on the court.
