The basketball world works in mysterious ways, just ask Mark Williams.
The Hornets center was traded to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, 2031 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap, only to be sent straight back to Charlotte after failing his physical.
Its crazy, Williams said in his first public comments since the failed trade, via The Charlotte Observer. Your mind has to shift from you got traded, youve got to go to L.A. and then youve got to shift back from youre not going to L.A. So, its definitely different.
Its a lot on your mind and youve got to take what life gives and make the most of every opportunity youve got.
23-year-old Williams has an extensive injury history and has appeared in just 85 games in his first three NBA seasons, but he never dreamed hed fail a physical.
I didnt think I had failed my physical, Williams recalled. That didnt even cross my mind. The night I got traded I played hella minutes. I didnt think in any world that was possible. Since Ive been back since the start of the year, Ive played games with a lot of minutes. I feel like every injury Ive had has been well-documented and Ive recovered and been 100 percent since.
So, I dont know what went into that decision. I think thats up to them.
Ironically, his first game back for the Hornets just happens to be a rescheduled game against the Lakers in LA.
Cant write it any other way right?, Williams said. NBA script. Its just what it is.
Hes keen to show the Lakers what hes made of.
I think the biggest thing for me is showing Im healthy, he said. Like I said, I didnt think there was a world (where) Id fail a physical. So, Im just excited to play.
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