In search of a center, the Charlotte Hornets
drafted Mark Williams with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Williams, a former Duke big man, dealt with knee injuries early on in his career; however, he proved himself as a serviceable starter at the center position. In 106 games over three seasons with the team, Williams averaged 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 blocks.After originally completing a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that was eventually rescinded (due to a failed physical), the Hornets moved Williams (and a second-round pick) to Phoenix following his third NBA season. In return, Charlotte received a haul, acquiring Vasilije Micic, a first-round pick (Liam McNeeley) and a 2029 first-round pick.
Now 24 years old, Williams is coming off of his most durable NBA campaign, playing 60 games for the Suns and averaging 11.7 points, eight rebounds, one assist, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks. Unfortunately for the former Blue Devil, he picked up an offseason injury, sidelining him for the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
Throughout the season, Rookie Wire is documenting the jersey number history of the Charlotte Hornets
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Charlotte Hornets jersey history No. 5 Mark Williams 2022-2025
