Hornets sign Mark Williams, Bryce McGowens to rookie contracts

The Hornets have signed center Mark Williams to his rookie contract, the team announced in a press release. Williams was drafted No. 15 overall by the club in this year’s draft. Charlotte also announced the team’s second-round pick, Bryce McGowens, has officially signed his two-way deal.

Assuming the typical 120% of the rookie scale, Williams’ deal will be worth $18M across four seasons. He’ll make $3.7M in his first year with the team. The 7-foot big man averaged 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 23.5 minutes per game at Duke last season.

McGowens, a 19-year-old guard, started in all 31 games he played with Nebraska last year. He averaged 16.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, shooting 40% from the floor and 27% from deep.

Both Williams and McGowens will play for Charlotte during the Las Vegas Summer League, which begins next week. The Hornets missed the playoffs last season and finished with a 43-39 record.