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.

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Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

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.

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Hornets Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

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)

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Free Agents

Montrezl Harrell, PF: UFA

Miles Bridges, SF: RFA

Cody Martin, SF: RFA

Isaiah Thomas, PG: UFA

Scottie Lewis, SG: RFA

Arnoldas Kulboka, SF: RFA

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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.