Before the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, JJ Redick couldn’t comment on the team’s trade for Mark Williams, as it hadn’t been officially confirmed by the NBA yet.
However, once the trade was finalized before the game ended, Redick spoke about the opportunity to acquire a center of Williams’ caliber for the stretch run of the season.
“I met Mark when he was at Duke during the draft process. I’ve received great feedback over the years about his character, intelligence, and have followed his development. I’m a big fan of his. I think he’s a great fit for both the present and the future,” said Redick.
Redick is familiar with Williams, having mentored him during his college years. He also did significant research on Williams’ game last offseason when he believed he might interview for the Charlotte Hornets’ then-vacant head coaching position.
With the trade of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks as part of the Luka Dončić deal, the Lakers had a significant void at center. The addition of Williams now addresses that need.
In the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline, there had been no indication that the Hornets were open to trading Williams. The trade of Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns seemed to solidify Williams as their primary big man.
However, according to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, the Hornets approached them first about a potential trade, as reported by Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Once it was clear that Williams was available, the Lakers decided to pursue the deal, finalizing it in the past couple of days. The Mavericks had surrounded Dončić with athletic bigs like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, and Williams fits that mold as a rim-running center.
“I think Luka can play in many ways, and it’s advantageous to have multiple centers who can provide a vertical threat. Mark is a young starting center who brings that ability,” Redick explained. “Our job as a staff is to help him improve as a screener, decision-maker, and on defense. But we’re confident that with his character, work ethic, and basketball IQ, he will be a great player for us.”
Williams, who has battled injuries during his three years in the NBA, missed the start of this season with a foot injury but is now healthy and has played in 22 games for the Hornets. He is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 58.6% from the field and 78% from the free-throw line.
Although Redick wasn’t sure when Williams would make his debut with the Lakers, it’s clear he has the potential to make a significant impact.
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