Grant Williams provides Charlotte with leadership and experience.
After just three games, Grant Williams appears to be a transformed player in Charlotte compared to his stints with the Mavericks and Celtics. Despite being only 25 years old, he is displaying a level of maturity beyond his years and has embraced a crucial veteran leadership role that the team was lacking.
Williams, selected 22nd overall by the Celtics in the 2019 NBA draft, made an immediate impact with his readiness to contribute. His college experience at Tennessee, where he earned All-SEC honors each year and secured SEC Player of the Year in his Sophomore and Junior seasons, set the stage for his early success.
Having quickly adapted to his role with the Celtics, Williams played a significant role in their playoff appearances, notably shining in their journey to the NBA Finals in his third season. However, a change in coaching leadership led to a decline in his standing with the team, eventually resulting in a sign-and-trade to the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite an initially promising start with the Mavericks, Williams encountered issues and reports surfaced of him not fitting well within the team culture. This situation led to a surprising trade back in the market, resulting in a perceived low value for Williams compared to just a year earlier.
Now a member of the Hornets, Williams finds himself on his third NBA team in less than 10 months, a journey that has forced him to mature rapidly in the league. His spirited personality and energetic approach, which had both positive and negative effects in previous situations, are exactly what Charlotte needs. The team requires toughness, passion, and players who are deeply invested in success, and Williams embodies these qualities.
Williams isn’t hesitant to vocally motivate his teammates, hold them accountable for their play, or stand up for them in confrontations. His on-court contributions include taking charges, diving for loose balls, and passionately engaging with officials. While his intensity may be overwhelming at times, it brings an infusion of energy and a much-needed boost to the Hornets, particularly evident in their immediate defensive improvement with Williams as a vocal leader. Regardless of opinions about Williams, one cannot deny his fervent commitment to winning, a mindset that Charlotte could benefit from having more of in their lineup.
