Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams will miss the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a torn ACL on his right knee, the team confirmed on Sunday. The injury occurred on Saturday, in the fourth period of the Hornets’ 125-119 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Williams drove to the basket during the final period and was defended by center Brook Lopez. His right knee gave out as he stopped, causing him to fall and fumble the basketball. The veteran forward had to limp as he made his way to the team’s bench and was assisted to the locker room.
Williams finished the night with eight points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block in 31 minutes. On X (formerly Twitter), the 6-foot-6 forward appreciated the support he received following his injury. After his torn ACL was confirmed, he thanked his fans and followers on Sunday.
“Appreciate all the love and support from those who have reached out. Time to goto work it’s all we can do🤙🏽,” Williams posted on X.
Appreciate all the love and support from those who have reached out. Time to goto work it’s all we can do🤙🏽
— Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) November 24, 2024
Williams played 10 games for Charlotte this season, averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists. The former Boston Celtics player shot 43.9% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc.
In the middle of the 2023-24 season, Williams was traded by the Dallas Mavericks after he was acquired by the team via a sign-and-trade over the summer. He played for 47 games for the Mavs, averaging 8.1 points and 3.6 rebounds.
3 players who could replace Grant Williams for the Hornets
The Hornets have found themselves in a tricky situation following the injury of Grant Williams. With another player down, their injury-riddled frontcourt needs to be addressed. Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Miles Bridges are all anticipated to be out until November 27. These three forwards could join Charlotte and contribute to the team.
Robert Covington
Robert Covington is an experienced forward who could contribute on both ends of the floor. In his career, Covington is a 36% shooter from deep and his 6-foot-9 frame helps him guard any position on the floor. Although not a double-digit scorer as he once was, he still brings value offensively and defensively.
Jae Crowder
Like Grant Williams, Jae Crowder is a 6-foot-6 versatile forward. Crowder is a defensive asset who can match his opponent’s physicality, so he can fill in for Williams while he’s out. His 34% efficiency from three also comes in handy on the offensive end.
Chimezie Metu
Chimezie Metu is a younger 26-year-old forward who could match the energy the young Hornets team brings. At 6-foot-9, Metu is a hardworking rim runner. Although he can hit the occasional 3-pointer, his career 29% efficiency from deep might not be the most reliable offense. Still, the young player can be an asset with how Charlotte runs the floor.
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Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at reignkarlmarcamurao@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
