In a devastating turn of events, Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams has reportedly sustained a torn ACL, a serious injury that will sideline him for the entirety of the 2024-25 season, as confirmed by Shams Charania of ESPN.
Expressing his gratitude, Williams took to social media to share his thoughts with fans:
Grant Williams @Grant2Will
Appreciate all the love and support from those who have reached out. Time to goto work it’s all we can do🤙🏽
Now in his second season with the Hornets, Williams had joined the team in February through a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, which also brought veteran guard Seth Curry and a top-two protected 2027 first-round pick to Charlotte. The deal cost the Hornets fan-favorite P.J. Washington and two second-round picks, marking a significant shift in the team’s dynamics.
Williams unfortunately suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of a tough 125-119 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, adding to the team’s already mounting challenges.
In his time with Charlotte, Williams played in 45 games, demonstrating his versatility with averages of 12.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting an impressive 37 percent from beyond the arc. His skill set had made him an invaluable player for the Hornets, especially as the team grapples with an injury crisis that has sidelined key players such as centers Nick Richards and Mark Williams, as well as power forward Miles Bridges.
Will Palaszczuk @WilliePStyle
Hard to understate how significant the Grant Williams injury is for the @hornets. They had been able to tread water against teams without their two top centers because of mins by Williams and his ability to step out and shoot from the outside. Valuable weapon gone for the year.
Brian Geisinger @bgeis_bird
Grant Williams injury report is awful. He was playing well this season, working in as a frontcourt playmaker and handoff hub, solid pick-and-pop partner with LaMelo, and he was giving Charlotte good minutes at the 5 with Mark Williams and Richards out. Big loss.
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Roster ramifications in Charlotte
As a result of the Grant Williams injury, the Hornets are allowed to apply for a $6.5M Disabled Player Exception.
In order to use, Charlotte would need to have a roster spot available. They currently have 15 players under contract.
Despite the ongoing injury woes, the Hornets have shown resilience at the start of the season, currently holding a 6-10 record largely due to the stellar performances of star point guard LaMelo Ball, who is averaging 30.2 points per game alongside 6.9 assists, and the promising play from rookie Brandon Miller, who has contributed 19.8 points per game and 1.6 steals.
The Hornets are undeniably in the midst of a rebuilding phase centered around the growth of Ball and Miller, with Williams serving as an essential cog in this strategy. His absence will leave a palpable void in the team’s performance.
This injury increases the pressure on younger players like 2024 lottery pick Tidjane Salaün, who has had a rocky rookie season with averages of just 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds, yet has provided contributions on the defensive end. Additionally, players such as Moussa Diabate and veteran Taj Gibson will need to step up as the team struggles with depth in the frontcourt.
With the Hornets forced to navigate a sea of injuries, Williams had recently been elevated to a starting role in early November, replacing Salaün, who had received a brief opportunity with the starters before the injury crisis intensified.
How will the Charlotte Hornets adjust their strategy in the absence of Grant Williams?
**Interview with Sports Analyst on Grant Williams’ Injury**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss the unfortunate injury of Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams. As confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Williams has sustained a torn ACL and meniscus injury that will sideline him for the entire 2024-25 season. What are your immediate thoughts on this development?
**Analyst:** Thanks for having me. This is truly devastating for both Williams and the Hornets. He had recently been playing well and had become a crucial part of the team’s lineup. With averages of 12.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, he was not only providing scoring but also facilitating plays, particularly in pick-and-pop situations with LaMelo Ball [[1](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/grant-williams-injury-hornets-forward-out-for-rest-of-season-after-multiple-tears-in-right-knee-per-report/)]. Williams brought a versatility that the team desperately needed, especially during a time when other key players like Nick Richards and Miles Bridges are also sidelined.
**Interviewer:** Indeed, his versatility was key for the Hornets, especially during their current injury crisis. How do you think this injury will impact the team’s performance moving forward?
**Analyst:** The loss of Grant Williams is significant. As Will Palaszczuk noted, he was helping the Hornets stay competitive despite their struggles with injuries to other frontcourt players [[1](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/grant-williams-injury-hornets-forward-out-for-rest-of-season-after-multiple-tears-in-right-knee-per-report/)]. His ability to stretch the floor and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc (37 percent) added a necessary dimension to their offense. Without him, the Hornets will likely struggle both in scoring and defensive matchups, making their path to seeking wins much more challenging.
**Interviewer:** Following his injury during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, how has the team and Williams himself expressed their sentiments?
**Analyst:** Williams took to social media to express his gratitude for the support he has received, stating, “Appreciate all the love and support from those who have reached out. Time to go to work; it’s all we can do 👐🏽.” This reflects a resilient attitude, which is commendable. The Hornets will need that same spirit across the roster to cope with this loss. Coach and management will likely need to rethink their rotation and tactics to fill the gap left by Williams’ absence [[1](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/grant-williams-injury-hornets-forward-out-for-rest-of-season-after-multiple-tears-in-right-knee-per-report/)].
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. It’s a tough situation for the team and for Williams personally in his second season with the Hornets after the trade from the Mavericks. How do you think the front office should respond to this situation as they look to keep competitive in the league?
**Analyst:** The front office might need to consider exploring trade options or free-agent signings to bolster their roster depth. While they won’t be able to replace Williams outright, adding another versatile player who can contribute effectively on both ends could help alleviate some of the pressure on the remaining roster. They must be proactive rather than reactive to ensure they remain competitive in the playoff race.
**Interviewer:** Great insights! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this challenging situation for Grant Williams and the Charlotte Hornets. We hope to see him back on the court strong and healthy next season.
**Analyst:** Thank you! Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Grant and a bright future for the Hornets.
