From Duke, where he was the 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Mark Williams began his pro career in the same state when the Hornets chose him 15th overall.

A Hornet for his first three seasons, the Center improved annually, reaching 15 Points and 10.2 Rebounds per Game in 2024-25, but he played only 44 Games, his most to that point.  Perpetual back issues held him to 106 Games in total over three seasons, but the potential was certainly there.

As Charlotte remained in their usual state of rebuilding, they traded the oft-injured Center to the Lakers, which was rescinded when he failed a physical. Still, the Hornets were successful in a second attempt, and in the 2025 off-season, Williams joined the Phoenix Suns.