Doug Branson here, the host of the daily Locked On Hornets podcast, with your daily Locked On Hornets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hornets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Mark Williams’ Return Imminent + Early Season Trade Rumors
Nov 6, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) and center Mark Williams (5) sit on the bench during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon/Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Big Picture: It’s been a frustrating season for the Charlotte Hornets, but there’s a glimmer of hope: Mark Williams is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the 76ers. For a team struggling to keep players healthy, this could be a turning point.
Why It Matters: Williams’ presence is crucial. He’s not just a defensive anchor; he’s the kind of player who changes the game on both ends of the floor. His ability to protect the rim and create second-chance opportunities could be what the Hornets need to regain some momentum, especially with LaMelo Ball still sidelined.
What We’re Hearing: LaVar Ball has been making waves at Spectrum Center, sparking trade rumors about Lonzo potentially joining LaMelo in Charlotte. While this might sound like a dream scenario for some fans, the logistics of taking on Lonzo’s expiring contract (and his injury history) make it a long shot.
Zoom In: • Mark Williams’ Impact: His return could improve the Hornets’ interior defense and give their offense a much-needed pick-and-roll threat. With Philly missing Joel Embiid tonight, it’s a prime opportunity for Williams to shine.
• Trade Deadline Buzz: Nick Richards and Cody Martin are reportedly drawing interest. While moving Richards could net the Hornets valuable picks, it’s a risky gamble given the team’s history with injuries.
• Playoff Picture: The Hornets are hanging on to faint playoff hopes, but with the East as weak as it is, a healthy roster might still sneak into the play-in tournament.
Between the Lines: The Hornets’ inconsistency has frustrated fans, but this stretch of home games offers a chance to turn things around. The question is whether they can stay healthy long enough to capitalize on it.
The Bottom Line: This season has been a rollercoaster of injuries and missed opportunities. But with Mark Williams potentially returning and the trade deadline looming, the next few weeks could define the Hornets’ season. Whether it’s a play-in push or “capture-the-flagg” tank-mode, fans are in for a wild ride.
What’s Next: Tune in tomorrow as we recap tonight’s game, dive into Cody Martin’s trade value, and tackle more Sicko Satchel questions from fans.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Injury The Hornets are preparing for the return of Mark Williams, aiming to defy his injury-prone label and bolster their lineup. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Hornets host the 76ers tonight in the latest NBA Cup group stage matchup at the Spectrum Center. Read the preview.(NBA)
Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:00 PM | Spectrum Center (Charlotte, NC) | Get Tickets
Hornets @ Knicks
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:30 PM | Madison Square Garden (New York, NY) | Get Tickets
Cavaliers @ Hornets
Saturday, Dec. 07 | 1:00 PM | Spectrum Center (Charlotte, NC) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
