Grant Williams Set for Saturday Season Debut

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Grant Williams Set for Saturday Season Debut

Grant Williams is set to make his highly anticipated season debut on Saturday against the Utah Jazz. The Charlotte Hornets have officially listed the 27-year-old forward as probable for the game.

Background on Grant Williams

Williams is entering his seventh NBA season after being selected as the 22nd overall pick in the 2019 draft. Standing at 6’7″, he is recognized for his versatility on the court. However, his progress was halted due to a serious knee injury.

Knee Injury and Recovery

On November 23, 2024, Williams suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He underwent surgery to repair the ACL along with other ligaments shortly thereafter. Recently, Hornets head coach Charles Lee noted that Williams is in the final stages of his rehabilitation and has been participating in five-on-five training sessions with the team.

Previous Season Performance

Before his injury, Williams was a consistent player for the Hornets. Over 16 games last season, he averaged:

10.4 points per game
5.1 rebounds per game
2.3 assists per game
1.1 steals per game

His shooting percentages were impressive, with a .439 field goal percentage, .365 from three-point range, and .838 from the free-throw line. He played an average of 29.9 minutes per game, starting in seven of those appearances.

Contract and Future Prospects

Williams is under contract for $27.9 million over the next two seasons, with the potential to enter free agency in the summer of 2027. His return will be crucial for the Hornets as they look to improve their performance this season.

Other Players Returning

In addition to Williams, Ryan Kalkbrenner is also expected to return for the matchup against the Jazz. Kalkbrenner has missed the last ten games due to a left elbow sprain and is listed as probable to play. The 7’1″ center had a solid start to his rookie season, posting: