Hornets C Mark Williams getting back to basketball form

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, who missed most of last season with a back injury, has been slowed by a foot tendon strain that will limit his participation in training camp.

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams isn’t buying into the injury-prone label.

Williams played just 19 games last season due to a back injury that sidelined him in late 2023. Recently, news broke that Williams would miss the start of training camp due to a foot tendon strain.
Williams says his back is fine, the foot is getting better and neither will be an issue moving forward as the Hornets prepare for the 2024-25 season. Williams will be re-evaluated in a few weeks and is labeled day-to-day.

“I’m not going for that,” Williams said about injury concerns. “I have one long term injury that I’m completely fine from. I’ve been doing everything in the summer, playing [five on five]. This is just something minor for me. I think injuries are a part of the game and it’s just how you bounce back from it, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Hornets coach Charles Lee and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson applauded Williams’ work in the gym and when he is able to play, both think he will make an impact.

“It’s unfortunate what happened to him, Lee said, “because he’s one of the guys during the summer that just showed a newfound commitment and love and joy for the game as he was battling back. It’s unfortunate to see him have to go down with this minor injury, I would say. But we'll re-evaluate in a couple weeks, and I know that he's resilient, he's shown it to all of us, and he’s going to continue to do that.”

Peterson feels while Williams rehabs, it will be a good opportunity to see what the other bigs are made of.

“I hate it for [Williams],” Peterson said. “He’s had an unbelievable summer. He just works his butt off, just getting in shape and putting the time in. He showed a tremendous amount of resilience. This is a minor setback, but exciting that fortunately, it’s not anything major, and he’ll be able to make progress.

“But, it’s a great opportunity to see what these other guys have, and be able to step up and get in rotation, things like that. So, really excited for some of the options that others will have.”

Williams said his rekindled commitment during rehab helped him get back to basketball shape.

“With my back being out for as long as I was, I think I just felt it more,” he said. “This summer being able to pick up workouts, everything we were doing just made it that much more exciting for me. And then obviously, when the regular season comes around, I’ll be glad to put my jersey on.”

Williams averages 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He’s been a big contributor on the defensive end with 65 blocks in two seasons. Williams said he added weight in the offseason to get stronger.

“I think I’m about 260 [pounds] now,” Williams said. “A lot of lifting. With my back that was all I really could do was a lot of core stuff. A lot of upper and lower body, focusing on core stability and being stronger and in better shape.”

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