Mark Williams

Williams put together an encouraging rookie season, with most of his production coming toward the back of the year. The Hornets began the campaign with Mason Plumlee as their starting center, eventually moving on from him via a trade to the Clippers. From that point, Williams assumed the starting role most nights, doing what many had hoped since he was taken with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft. In just 19.3 minutes per game, Williams ended as the 128th-ranked player in nine-category leagues, averaging 9.0 points on 63.7 percent shooting from the floor, adding 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. Should he land the starting role for his sophomore season, his playing time should increase appropriately, meaning the top 120 should be considered his floor. He doesn't have the block upside of someone like Walker Kessler, but he should be able to flirt with 1.5 swats per game while rolling out consistent double-doubles. The lack of name recognition should work in his favor regarding ADP, likely placing him outside the top 100 in many spots. Anyone who misses out on an elite big man earlier in the draft should certainly consider Williams anywhere in this range.

The Hornets chose Williams with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 Draft. During his second and final season at Duke in 2021-22, he averaged 11.2 points on a whopping 72.1 percent shooting from the field and 72.7 percent from the charity stripe, 7.4 rebounds (2.6 offensive) and 2.8 blocks in 23.5 minutes. The center was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and also claimed Third Team All-ACC honors. Though Williams struggled with his shot in five Summer League games (44.1 percent), he demonstrated his rebounding and defensive upside with 7.4 boards and 2.4 combined blocks-plus-steals in 19.4 minutes. His smooth and explosive athleticism and 7-foot-7 wingspan should translate to the NBA right away, and good offensive rebounding is always a nice bonus. The quality free-throw shooting will also help keep him on the court and help fantasy managers, and he may possess some perimeter shooting upside given his proficiency. Even if that doesn't develop and Williams is limited to being a pick-and-roll big on offense, he'll be a great lob target. He should have an opportunity to contribute immediately as a rookie in Charlotte. His main competition is Mason Plumlee, who saw just 24.6 minutes per game last season. P.J. Washington may also spend some time at center, but he projects as the team's starting power forward and should see most of his minutes there. Fantasy managers who want to take a gamble at the end of a draft on a shot-blocking big can look to Williams, though he's probably best suited for deeper formats as a rookie. There could be a true payoff in dynasty/keeper formats as soon as next year with Plumlee's contract expiring.