Charlotte making the playoffs this season isn’t crazy, but a lot of things have to go right. LaMelo Ball needs to stay healthy. Brandon Miller needs to take a step forward in his second season. Ball, Miller and Miles Bridges should flourish under first-time coach Charles Lee.
And center Mark Williams must step up as a defensive anchor in the paint. That’s why this news from Charlotte is a rough start to training camp:
Williams “suffered a strained tendon in his left foot during offseason training [Thursday]. Williams will miss the team’s training camp and will be reevaluated in two weeks,” announced the team. Williams was reportedly seen in a walking boot in Charlotte.
Williams averaged 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game but only played in 19 games last season because of a back problem. Williams has had a long injury history for a player just entering his third season, including ankle problems.
It’s unclear exactly when Williams will return, but if the Hornets are going to make a postseason run they’ll need him back, healthy, and taking a step forward in his game on the defensive end.
