Mark Williams poses for a family photo during pregame warm ups against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center. Jim Dedmon USA TODAY NETWORK
We’re closing in on the madness.
The NBA Draft is less than a week away and the official opening bell of free agency comes just days after that, signaling the true beginning of the league’s offseason.
Plenty of questions abound for the Charlotte Hornets as they get set to reconstruct their roster.
In this latest mailbag, we answer reader queries about whether Mark Williams could be traded soon, if the Hornets should look to move down from No. 4 overall in the draft, the team’s biggest need moving forward and more.
To trade down or stick around
Dalton asks on X, formerly known as Twitter: What would you say the likelihood of a trade down is? Do you believe the reported interest in VJ (Edgecombe) and Kon (Knueppel) or could there be other prospects we like at 4?
It’s definitely a possibility and depends on what happens above the Hornets at No. 4. The Observer reported the Hornets’ interest in Edgecombe the day after the draft order was determined. Save for maybe the first three picks, it’s unclear if any of the others in this draft class will be generational type All-Star talent.
If a team likes a player outside of those projected top three selections and wants to grab, say, one of the best wings in the draft or a player they hold in high regards is sliding, trading back would be on the table for the Hornets.
There are still a couple of players in the 6-10 range who could help them right away, and Knueppel is among those. But again, the deal has to not only include current compensation but future draft picks for the Hornets to probably pull the trigger.
Ace Bailey
JB Green asks on X: How likely do the Hornets take Ace Bailey if he falls?
If Ace Bailey falls below No. 3, the Hornets almost have to take him. Now, that doesn’t mean he must stay on the roster moving forward. But at minimum, Bailey could give Charlotte an asset that can be flipped around immediately for either more draft compensation or a player they feel will help them and be part of the future core led by Brandon Miller.
Ace Bailey talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. David Banks USA TODAY NETWORK
In speaking with one talent evaluator earlier this week, the person mentioned Bailey having Hall of Fame potential but also cautioned about his possible drive issues and basketball IQ. Still, the person said if Bailey is there, the Hornets have to select them. And from this vintage point, it’s hard to disagree. Take Bailey if he’s on the board and then figure it out later.
Mark Williams
Jacob asks on Blue Sky: Given their reluctance to extend him, is there a deal to me made on draft day for Mark Williams?
As previously mentioned, what happens with Mark Williams is one of the key things to keep the eye on this offseason. Despite both sides publicly putting on a very good face after the trade was rescinded, it would be an upset if the 7-footer was still on the Hornets’ roster come training camp. Whether that means Williams gets sent somewhere on draft day specifically, it remains to be seen.
But if he is moved, it would most likely come within the next two weeks as teams are trying to reset their rosters for next season. Undoubtedly, there’s an executive or two out there who will consider taking a flier on the big man who is a restricted free agent in 2026. It just depends on if the offer is to the Hornets’ liking or if they believe they can get more in return in February at the trade deadline, provided he raises his value by proving his health.
Mark Williams (5) dunks against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at American Airlines Center. Kevin Jairaj USA TODAY NETWORK
Offseason priorities
@3_Stings asks on X: What does the front office believe is the biggest need for the team? Shooting, pressure on rim, defense or playmaking?
Ranking them from this vantage point, pressure on the rim should be first, followed closely by defense. The Hornets thought they had the big man issue solved with the drafting of Mark Williams three years ago, but as noted earlier in this mailbag, his status and future with the team is up in the air.
So, the Hornets need to find somebody to intimidate the opposition when players come into the paint and also serve as an adept rebounder. Defense is a staple of coach Charles Lee, so that’s why that is next on the list. Lee wants players who can affect the game on both ends of the court and that’s not going to change.
Lastly, it’s shooting, because if the plan is still to build around LaMelo Ball long-term, surrounding him with shooting and players who can knock down jumpers when he commands extra attention would greatly benefit the Hornets.
Tre Mann
@MysticTheo07 asks on X: Do you think Tre Mann gets re-signed and if so for how much?
The organization likes Tre and many were disappointed his back injury cost him a better part of this past season. He started off playing really well and could have even been thrown in for very, very early consideration for sixth man of the year. He looked that good. So, nothing’s really changed in regard to how the Hornets feel about them.
As always, it’s going to depend on whether everybody can come to an agreement over money, and with Mann’s injury status and few teams having ample cap space to offer him a huge pay day, it puts the Hornets in the driver’s seat somewhat.
Even if Mann scored a lucrative multi-year deal, the Hornets have the ability to match or work with that team to possibly get a sign-and-trade together, similar to what happened with Kemba Walker in 2021 when he went to Boston in exchange for Terry Rozier.
The Charlotte Observer
Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly. Support my work with a digital subscription