Hornets center Mark Williams has thumb surgery to repair torn ligament

CHARLOTTE,N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets starting center Mark Williamsunderwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb andis expected to make a full recovery, according to the team.

The Hornetsdidn’t say when Williams will return to action, saying “an updateon his status will be provided as appropriate.”

Williams tookover as the starting center midway through last season after theteam traded Mason Plumlee.

Williamsplayed in 43 games with 17 starts as a rookie, averaging 9 pointsin 19.3 minutes. He was second in blocks per game (1.0), third infield goal percentage (.637), fourth in rebounds (7.1) and fifth indouble-doubles (11) among rookies.

The 15thoverall pick in last year’s draft out of Duke, Williams became oneof 10 rookies since 1999-2000 to record a 20-point game, a20-rebound game and a five-block game in a season.