Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams did not mince words during the team’s media day, telling reporters he intends to make the Charlotte Hornets pay for sending him out of town over the summer.
“Just to be where you’re wanted is always great,” the 24-year-old said, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “To be here is exciting. Charlotte was ultimately where I was drafted to. There was a belief in me at some point, but once you trade me the first time, it was only a matter of time before I was gone … I just intend to make them regret that decision every time I’m on the court.”
Charlotte nearly moved Williams once before, agreeing to a deal that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers at last season’s trade deadline before the swap collapsed due to a failed physical. The 7-foot center now enters the final season of his rookie contract with career averages of 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across his first three NBA campaigns.
Suns general manager Brian Gregory expressed confidence that Williams can be more than a stop-gap option in the middle. “His strength gains in the lower body have been off the charts. His work ethic on a daily basis, off the chart. His attitude—he understood where he was at and where he needed to get to and he’s worked every single day on that,” Gregory said.
Rankin reported that Williams is the early favorite to open the season as Phoenix’s starting center. He will compete in training camp with rookie Khaman Maluach, Oso Ighodaro and fellow newcomer Nick Richards.
Source: Hoops Wire
