PHOTO | TROY HULL

Charlotte Hornets rookie center Mark Williams (third from the left) is making the most of his limited minutes, with a career-best 17 points  and 13 rebounds Dec. 29 against Oklahoma City.

Mark Williams is getting his time to shine while the Charlotte Hornets struggle.

The rookie is making the most of increased playing time at center and as a result has impressed with his progress. Williams, Charlotte’s (10-28) first round pick in the 2022 draft, averages 7.3 points per game in only 11 appearances. His modest numbers are misleading when considering Williams had been playing with the Greensboro Swarm, the Hornets’ G League affiliate. He suited up for first NBA game Dec. 16 against Atlanta and made his debut Dec. 26 at Portland with nine points and six rebounds.

Williams’ best game to date was a 17-point, 13-rebound effort Dec. 29 in a 121-113 Hornets win against Oklahoma City for his first NBA double-double. Williams didn’t miss a shot among his seven attempts in addition to a pair of blocks, two steals and a pair of assists.

“It felt great,” he said afterward. “That was my first time playing at home, being in front of the crowd. Just got into a rhythm early and continued to do that on both sides of the ball. Just felt really good to play, for sure.”

After earning a call up from Greensboro, Williams sat for five games as Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards rotated at center. It gave him a chance to prepare for his turn and when Richards suffered an ankle injury, he was ready to contribute.

“Just every game, being ready. “You never know what each game could hold,” he said. “Things could happen so for me. It’s just being ready for my opportunity when that moment happens and just being prepared for it. It’s not like I’m nervous or anything. It’s just basketball. When I’m on the floor, just making the most of it, doing the things I’m supposed to do on both sides of the ball.”

Said guard LaMelo Ball: “You know he stayed down in the process, and when he got his chance he’s making the most of it.”

Coach Steve Clifford praised the pace of Williams’ development, although the center’s sample size of games is small. In the runup to the draft, Williams impressed personnel evaluators with his size and commitment to playing on both ends on the floor – and he’s continued when given the opportunity.

“Great size, he’s protected the rim well, he has a natural skill package,” coach Steve Clifford said. “By next year he’ll be able to shoot threes. Pick-and-roll defense has been good. We function well when he’s been out on the floor, so he’s the only guy that we’ve had – you don’t usually say this 30-something games in, but every guy on our team has had a good chance to play except for him.”

Williams appreciates the faith Clifford has shown in him over the last half-month, which has benefited both player and team.

“The trust he puts into me, that means a lot,” Williams said. “I just wanted to show that it was the right decision and wanted to make the most out of the opportunity. Just play hard and play to my strengths.”

Between Williams and Richards, the Hornets may have finally addressed their issues in the paint. Williams is making his case for playing time as the third center, giving Charlotte more opportunity to go in multiple directions depending on how Clifford wants to adjust the rotation.

“[Williams has] taken the opportunity here, he’s ran with it, and he’s played really, really well,” Clifford said. “We’re going to stick with him and let him play for a little bit and I’m going to find ways [to play him more].

“Nick Richards is a good player, and he’s got a bright future; they’re just both obviously in the same spot. But I want to find ways to get Nick back out there, too. It’s just, we’ve got to find ways to do that. But Mark’s been really, really good.”

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