DENVER — Dressed in colorful jeans and a black jacket, Mark Williams looked noticeably different from the previous night when he was suited up for the Charlotte Hornets. Instead of battling Nikola Jokić—who had just received the Western Conference Player of the Month award—Williams found himself on the sidelines, unavailable due to “return to competition conditioning.”
Despite his absence, there’s no reason for concern.
“Just taking a long-term view on all of our player health,” Hornets coach Charles Lee explained after Charlotte’s 129-115 loss to Denver on Thursday night. “He didn’t play a couple of games during the trade week, then had the break, so we want to make sure he ramps back up at the right pace for longevity.”
Williams sitting out raised eyebrows, especially after the controversy surrounding his failed trade to the Lakers. The 7-footer played 29 minutes in the Hornets’ win over Los Angeles just a night before, recording 10 points and nine rebounds. His sudden absence against Denver fueled speculation, particularly given the Lakers’ decision to void the trade due to medical concerns.
In response to that decision, Williams’ agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, issued a strong statement challenging the Lakers’ assessment.
“After conferring with multiple, nationally recognized doctors, the overwhelming sentiment is that the Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical,” Schwartz said. “Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity.”
Williams appreciated his agent standing up for him.
“It’s great for Jeff to have my back,” Williams told The Charlotte Observer. “It shows his support and that he has the same stance as me and everyone in my circle. For him to make that statement publicly was huge.”
Despite what could have been an awkward situation, Williams has received nothing but support from his Hornets teammates. The camaraderie built over the last two years since Charlotte drafted him has remained unchanged.
“Mark is like a brother to us,” teammate Miles Bridges said after his season-high 36-point performance against Denver. “We welcomed him back with open arms and made sure he knows he’s wanted here. That’s the biggest thing—letting him know he has a home in Charlotte.”
Williams, for his part, is ready to move forward. Rather than dwelling on the emotional rollercoaster of nearly being traded, he’s focused on finishing the season strong.
“For us, it’s about closing the season the right way,” Williams said. “Just playing good basketball, doing the right things on the floor. The whole situation is done now. It’s time to move on and play.”
With his mindset fixed on the future, Williams is eager to prove that he belongs—not just in Charlotte, but in the league as a key piece for the Hornets’ long-term success.
