Hornets' Mark Williams: Undergoes thumb surgery

The Hornets announced Wednesday that Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb.

Williams missed most of March due to the thumb issue but suited up for six of the Hornets' final eight games. He's expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp and should be back in time for the start of the 2023-24 season, when he'll likely settle back in as Charlotte's top center. In 17 appearances as a starter during his rookie campaign, Williams averaged 11.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across 26.9 minutes.