Charlotte Hornets Forward Grant Williams Faces Criticism Amidst Success

Jayson Tatum shuts down rumors that Grant Williams is a bad teammate

Grant Williams, forward for the Charlotte Hornets, finds himself under the spotlight once again as his tenure in the NBA has been marked by both praise and criticism.

Williams, who was traded mid-season from the Dallas Mavericks, has been subject to public criticism, notably from Celtics commentator Mike Gorman. Gorman’s remarks, labeling Williams as a bad teammate with annoying habits, sparked a response from Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who defended Williams, emphasizing his qualities as a teammate.

Gorman’s critique highlighted Williams’ perceived shortcomings during his time in Dallas, where he was described as “annoying to everybody” and faced challenges with his behavior in the locker room. Despite his reported issues, Williams has found success with the Charlotte Hornets, showcasing an impressive performance off the bench, averaging 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season.

However, Williams’ time in Dallas was not without controversy. His comments about the team’s style of play compared to his role in Charlotte drew backlash, and his reported demeanor in the locker room raised concerns within the Mavericks organization.

Celtics' Broadcaster Calls Grant Williams 'Annoying' and 'Bad Locker Room  Guy' - Sports Illustrated Boston Celtics News, Analysis and More

A story shared by Mavericks executive Michael Finley shed light on an incident during practice where Williams attempted to provoke star player Luka Doncic. Despite his efforts, Doncic responded with a dominant performance, showcasing his skills and shutting down Williams’ attempts to challenge him.

While some argue that Williams’ actions served a purpose in holding stars like Doncic accountable, others question his authority to do so, particularly given his performance on the court.

Grant Williams opens up about his Celtics departure, his relationship with  Joe Mazzulla, and more - The Boston Globe

Despite the mixed opinions surrounding Williams, his success with the Hornets highlights his ability to contribute positively to a team’s performance, despite facing challenges and criticism along the way.