Mark Williams Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Hornets Roster
The Charlotte Hornets added Duke center Mark Williams with the No. 15 pick of the 2022 NBA draft.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
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Player: Mark Williams
Position: C
Height: 7'0"
Pro Comparison: Clint Capela
Scouting Report: Williams played a key role in Duke's season and NCAA tournament run with his easy-basket finishes and rim protection. With a 7'7" wingspan, power and energy around the basket, it's easy to picture an NBA lob target, putback threat and shot-blocker.
Mark Williams, C: rookie-scale contract
Gordon Hayward, SF: $30M (2024)
Terry Rozier, PG: $24.1M (2026)
Kelly Oubre, SF: $12.3M (2023)
LaMelo Ball, PG: $8.9M (2024)
Mason Plumlee, C: $8.2M (2023)
James Bouknight, SG: $4.8M (2025)
Kai Jones, PF: $3.4M (2025)
P.J. Washington, PF: $3.0M (2023)
JT Thor, PF: $1.67M (2025)
Jalen McDaniels, PF: $1.5M (2023, Team Option)
Nick Richards, C: $1.4M (2023)
Montrezl Harrell, PF: UFA
Miles Bridges, SF: RFA
Cody Martin, SF: RFA
Isaiah Thomas, PG: UFA
Scottie Lewis, SG: RFA
Arnoldas Kulboka, SF: RFA
The former 5-star recruit had a quiet freshman season at Duke, but Williams emerged as a sophomore with 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring the Blue Devils on the way to a conference regular-season title and an eventual Final Four appearance.
During the NCAA tournament, the 7'0" center averaged 3.2 blocks across five games.
On the offensive end, Williams made 72.1 percent of his shots and led Division I with a 142.0 offensive efficiency, per Sports Reference.
Scouts are also excited about the center's physical tools, measuring with the biggest wingspan (7'6.5") and standing reach (9'9") in the class at the NBA combine. It could lead to an easy transition to the NBA even with the obvious step up in competition.
Williams will hope to play an early role with the Hornets as he starts his professional career.
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