Mailbag: Is Mark Williams really healthy? What will Charlotte do with open roster spot?

Summer league is over. The NBA Draft and free agency are distant memories.

And the offseason’s dog days are upon us.

Still, questions with the Charlotte Hornets abound as usual.

In this latest mailbag, we answer reader queries about the vacant spot on the Hornets’ main roster, where Josh Green will land in the starting lineup, a favorite memory of Patrick Doughty — otherwise known to most as “Big Pat” — and more.

Will Mark Williams be healthy for the Hornets this year?

Johnny Oatmeal asks on X, formerly known as Twitter: Mark Williams missed almost all of last year with a broken back. Why are people naming him our starting center? Do we need another big man just in case?

People are calling Mark Williams the starting center because, well, that’s what he is. Nothing has changed in that regard just because he was injured last season. When he’s available, he starts. End of discussion. He proclaimed he’s fully healthy and you’ll have to take him at his word until proven otherwise.

The Observer spoke exclusively to him during summer league, and he professed his desire to prove doubters wrong that he can’t get back to the same level he was playing at and beyond prior to his injury-riddled second season. Williams’ biggest task will be knocking off the rust that comes with not playing for a long period of time.

But yes, the Hornets should make sure they have enough at that position besides back up center Nick Richards. A hybrid option would be beneficial because right now that job will go to veteran Taj Gibson in an emergency. So adding a power forward/center would be a wise decision.

Who will fill the final guaranteed roster spot for the Hornets?

Matthew Argo asks on X: What you think we do with final spot?

Most likely that last main slot will stay empty, or at minimum a player will be signed to a non-guaranteed deal just in case the Hornets’ hierarchy has a planned move for later down the line up their sleeve. By keeping that slot available, it provides president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson with better flexibility to improve the roster once teams make their final cuts after training camp. A player may be needed to fill a particular hole.

Remember, previously the Hornets used that slot to add stopgaps for injured player who went down in the preseason — like when they brought on Theo Maldeon in 2021 when LaMelo Ball got banged up. So, it would be a surprise to see that spot filled unless it’s for a proven player who could come in to help the Hornets immediately,.

Plus, don’t forget the Hornets also have a two-way slot at their disposal, and that slot could eventually go to Mouhamadou Gueye. He looked good before hurting his ankle during the second game of the California Classic and may get the opportunity to hang around.

What position will Josh Green play next season?

De White asks on X: Do you see Josh Green as the starting two guard, and if so do you believe Brandon Miller will get minutes there as well?

Right now Josh Green is penciled in as the No. 2 guard, but that’s also subject to change. That question was specifically posed to Charles Lee by The Observer once the deal became official, and Lee said he didn’t want to pigeonhole Green until he watched a little more film on the Hornets’ acquisition, and also got a chance to talk to him and spend time with Green on the court.

Either way, the Hornets’ vision is to have players line up at more than one position. So, although Green may be starting at shooting guard and Brandon Miller may be the starting small forward, that doesn’t mean they won’t be interchangeable at some point or Miller won’t get minutes in the back court with LaMelo Ball. It just all depends on situations and how Lee envisions this roster being the most productive, especially defensively because that’s where he wants to leave his mark.

If someone is not holding their man in control enough defensively, Lee is going to make adjustments. So don’t get caught up too much in the positional thing. The Hornets are going to attempt to be multifaceted, and things could change, especially with a first-year coach and the new system for everyone to learn.

How does Reggie Jackson’s buyout work?

Jason Bourne asks on X: How does a buyout like Reggie Jackson’s work? Is he upset about it?

Buyouts are a common thing in the NBA and the Hornets have been especially busy in that area over the past couple of seasons, including with Reggie Jackson. When these things happen, it’s typically because a veteran player and the team he’s currently with are on different parallels.

The player usually prefers to choose their own destination and play for a possible contender, and in order to do that they give back some of their salary to be released by the team, mutually without either side having hurt feelings. It’s strictly business. Jackson got what he wanted, allowing him to maneuver to Philadelphia.

What’s your favorite Patrick ‘Big Pat’ Doughty memory?

Eric Berman asks on X: What’s your favorite Big Pat memory and how do you think the Hornets should honor him?

Man, that’s a toughie and a great question. There’s so many memories — it’s difficult to narrow it down to just one. Big Pat was a shining beacon at all the games and someone yours truly came into contact with multiple times on any given night. But my favorite memory probably would be the one that actually was being used as B-roll footage by WSOC-TV during the reflection of his life. While watching the station’s report, who pops up next to Big Pat smiling while posing for pictures? My kids.

That kind of hit home a little bit, because he always asked about my daughters every time he saw me, and that’s what was so special about Big Pat. He was a genuine individual who cared about people, and it was something that defined him every day, even when maybe he wasn’t feeling his best physically.

And to answer the second part of your question, absolutely the Hornets should do something to honor his legacy with the franchise and keep his memory alive. It’s a safe bet they’ll recognize him somehow with a classy gesture.