Suns Discover Hornets' Doubts About Mark Williams

The Suns are learning the same issues with Mark Williams that pushed the Hornets to move on from the young center.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the action on the court.The Suns' struggles with Mark Williams echo the Hornets' earlier doubts about the young center's durability and fit in the modern NBA.Charlotte Today

Mark Williams was once viewed as the long-term anchor of the Charlotte Hornets' frontcourt, but the franchise effectively chose to move on from him in the 2022 NBA Draft, betting on his size, tools, and developmental upside. However, in his first game against his former team, Williams delivered a performance that highlighted both the promise and the pitfalls that ultimately pushed Charlotte to move on. The Hornets had long suspected this experiment wouldn't pan out, largely because of durability concerns and a skill set that was never fully realized.

Why it matters

The Suns took a chance on Williams, banking on his physical tools and the upside that once made him a lottery-caliber prospect. But the same concerns that pushed Charlotte to move on are already resurfacing, reinforcing the Hornets' decision to move on from the young center.

The details

Despite tallying three blocks, Williams struggled mightily when he wasn't getting his hands on the ball. The Hornets repeatedly attacked him at the rim, scoring with ease and exposing the volatility in his defensive game. His rebounding, an area where a 7'1' center with a 9'9' standing reach should thrive, was also a glaring issue. Rust from a foot injury is a fair argument, but it also underscores the biggest red flag on Williams' resume: availability. Charlotte lived this reality for years, as Williams averaged only 35 games per season—roughly 43 percent of the schedule.

  • Williams posted 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals, and one block in 20 minutes against the Hornets on April 3, 2026.

The players

Mark Williams

A 7'1' center who was once viewed as the long-term anchor of the Charlotte Hornets' frontcourt, but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leading the Hornets to move on from him in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Moussa Diabate

A shorter center with decreased length compared to Williams, but who outworked him on the glass and has shown more reliability and impact than Williams.

Jeff Peterson

The general manager of the Charlotte Hornets, who ultimately decided the franchise couldn't continue building around a center who couldn't stay on the court or adapt to the evolving demands of the position.

Los Angeles Lakers

A team that voided a trade for Williams after he failed his physical, further highlighting the concerns around his injury history.

Phoenix Suns

The team that took a chance on Williams, banking on his physical tools and upside, but are now learning the same issues that pushed the Hornets to move on from him.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The combination of lingering health issues, inconsistent defense, and a limited offensive profile made Williams a difficult long‑term fit.”

— Jeff Peterson, Charlotte Hornets General Manager

What’s next

The Suns may ultimately decide not to re-sign Williams this offseason, which would further reinforce the Hornets' decision to move on from the young center.

The takeaway

The Suns' experience with Mark Williams is a cautionary tale about the risks of betting on physical tools and upside over consistent production and availability. The Hornets' decision to move on from Williams appears increasingly justified as the same concerns that pushed them to do so are now surfacing in Phoenix.