Mark Williams Stats Spotlight: The Numbers Behind His Rising Game
Mark Williams has averaged 12.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game across 166 NBA regular-season games in his career through the 2025-26 season, primarily showcasing elite rebounding efficiency with a career 62.9% field goal percentage as a Phoenix Suns center after starting with the Charlotte Hornets.
Career Overview
Mark Williams entered the NBA as the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Duke University, where he earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022. His professional journey began with the Charlotte Hornets, who selected him to bolster their frontcourt with his rim-protecting prowess and athleticism. By the 2025-26 season, Williams had transitioned to the Phoenix Suns, contributing to their playoff push with consistent double-digit scoring and rebounding.
Throughout his tenure, Williams has demonstrated remarkable growth, evolving from a raw rookie into a dependable big man capable of anchoring defenses and cleaning up misses on the glass. His career arc reflects the patience required for young centers to develop, marked by injury setbacks early on but punctuated by breakout performances like his career-high 31 points against the Utah Jazz on January 15, 2025.
Season-by-Season Stats
Williams's rookie year in 2022-23 saw limited minutes due to the Hornets' crowded rotation, but he flashed potential with efficient scoring inside. The following seasons brought expanded roles, peaking in 2024-25 with All-Defensive candidacy whispers after averaging a double-double.
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | CHA | 43 | 17 | 19.3 | 9.0 | 7.1 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 63.7% |
| 2023-24 | CHA | 19 | 19 | 26.7 | 12.7 | 9.7 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 64.9% |
| 2024-25 | CHA | 44 | 41 | 26.6 | 15.3 | 10.2 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 60.4% |
| 2025-26 | PHX | 60 | 55 | 23.6 | 11.7 | 8.0 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 64.4% |
| Career | - | 166 | 132 | 23.6 | 12.0 | 8.5 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 62.9% |
This table aggregates per-game averages from official NBA records, highlighting Williams's consistency in field goal efficiency above 60% every season and his rebounding prowess, peaking at 10.2 boards per game in 2024-25.
Key Career Highlights
- On November 10, 2023, Williams erupted for 21 points and a career-high 24 rebounds, including an NBA-record 15 offensive boards for the Hornets in a win over the Washington Wizards.
- His 2024-25 campaign featured a 31-point, 13-rebound masterpiece against the Jazz on January 15, 2025, solidifying his status as a double-double threat.
- Traded to Phoenix before the 2025-26 season, he adapted quickly, averaging 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 64.4% from the floor.
- Career totals include 1,992 points, 1,412 rebounds, and 166 blocks over 3,920 minutes played.
- Defensive impact shines with 1.0 blocks per game, anchoring paint defense for both teams.
Advanced Metrics Deep Dive
Williams excels in player efficiency rating (PER) contexts, often hovering around 20+ in peak seasons due to his high-volume finishing at the rim. His true shooting percentage sits at 66.2% career, elite for a center relying on dunks and putbacks.
- Review his offensive rebounding rate, leading the league at times with 15% ORB% in limited 2023-24 minutes.
- Examine block rate of 5.2% career, top-20 among bigs, per advanced tracking.
- Assess net rating contributions: +2.4 in 2025-26 with Phoenix, flipping lineups positive.
- Track usage at 18-20%, efficient without forcing shots outside paint.
- Monitor free-throw improvement from 69.1% rookie year to 77-80% recently.
These metrics underscore why analysts project Williams for 14+ points and 9 rebounds in expanded roles next season.
Rebounding Mastery
Offensive rebounding defines Williams's game, with career 3.0 ORPG despite modest minutes. In 2023-24, he grabbed 4.0 per game in just 19 outings, turning misses into second chances at a 15% rate.
"Mark Williams is a rebounding machine-his motor doesn't stop, and he owns the paint like few young bigs today." - Anonymous Hornets scout, post-2023 Wizards game.
Defensively, he secures 5.9 DRPG career, boxing out effectively against elite fronts.
Scoring Efficiency
Williams thrives on high-percentage looks, attempting zero threes until sporadically in 2025-26 (1.000% on 1-1). His 5.0 FGA inside arcs yield 62.8% makes, with dunks comprising 45% of makes.
Free-throw volume rose to 3.1 FTA/game by 2025-26, hitting 77.1%, addressing early-career 69% woes.
Defensive Prowess
Averaging 1.0 BPG, Williams alters shots without fouling excessively (2.3 PF/G). His 1.1% steal rate pairs with quick hands, generating 0.8 SPG.
- 2024-25 blocks leader among reserves with 1.2 BPG.
- Defensive rating of 114.3 in 2025-26, 14th among qualifiers.
- Versatile enough to switch onto wings briefly.
Playoff Potential
Yet to appear in postseason (0 games), Williams's Suns tenure positions him for 2026 playoffs. Projections peg 9.2 RPG in 28 MPG.
Trade Impact Analysis
The mid-2025 trade to Phoenix paired Williams with stars, reducing usage but boosting efficiency. Suns went 35-20 in his starts.
| Metric | Hornets Avg | Suns 2025-26 | Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 12.3 | 11.7 | 12.0 |
| RPG | 8.8 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| FG% | 62.5% | 64.4% | 62.9% |
| BPG | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.0 |
Injury History
Back issues sidelined him for much of 2023-24 (only 19 GP), but he played 60+ games in 2025-26, signaling durability.
Future Projections
Analysts forecast 14.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 28 MPG for 2026-27, assuming full health. Could earn first All-Defense nod.
College-to-Pro Transition
At Duke, Williams averaged 14.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG as a sophomore, winning ACC awards before declaring.
- Freshman: Limited role, 52 GP off bench.
- Sophomore: Starter, led ACC in blocks.
- Draft: 15th pick, high-upside project.
His NBA stats mirror college dominance in efficiency, scaled to pro speed.
Williams's stat line-efficient, rebound-heavy-positions him as a cornerstone for contenders, with untapped passing upside at 1.2 APG. His hidden gems include top-tier offensive rebounding and rim protection, often overlooked amid flashier stars.
What are the most common questions about Mark Williams Stats Spotlight The Numbers Behind His Rising Game?
What is Mark Williams's career-high in points?
Mark Williams's career-high is 31 points, achieved on January 15, 2025, against the Utah Jazz while with the Hornets.
What is Mark Williams's career-high in rebounds?
His rebounding peak is 24 boards on November 10, 2023, versus the Wizards, with 15 offensive rebounds setting a franchise record.
Has Mark Williams ever averaged a double-double?
Yes, in 2024-25, he averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds over 44 games for Charlotte.
What teams has Mark Williams played for?
Williams has suited up for the Charlotte Hornets from 2022-25 and the Phoenix Suns in 2025-26.
How does Mark Williams compare to other NBA centers?
Among centers with 150+ games, his 62.9% FG ranks top-5 historically, though volume scoring lags behind stars like Jokic due to role.
Who drafted Mark Williams?
The Charlotte Hornets selected Mark Williams 15th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
What is Mark Williams's height and weight?
Listed at 7 feet tall and 240 pounds, ideal center frame.
Does Mark Williams shoot threes?
Rarely; career 0.2 3P% on minimal attempts, focusing on interior game.