Hornets' Clifford sees Marvin Williams as stretch four

With the departure of Josh McRoberts this summer, the Hornets lost a play making stretch four. Marvin Williams, who Charlotte signed later in the off-season, doesn't possess the passing ability of McRoberts, but head coach Steve Clifford believes he can fill the team's stretch-four role.

"He can play a balanced game," Clifford told the Charlotte Observer, referring to Williams' offensive and defensive skills. "He’ll play both forward spots, but I see him primarily as a stretch 4 (a power forward with 3-point range)." 

"Up close you see that he can shoot and pass very well," he added. "He’s a very smart player who makes smart, simple plays. And he’s very professional in his approach."

Not many people think 'stretch four' when they think of Williams, but the 28-year-old has found some range in recent years. After shooting 31 percent from three-point territory over his first six seasons, Williams has shot better than 35 percent over the last three seasons, including a 38.9 percent showing in 2011-12.

In addition, the nine-year forward registered a career-high 44.5 percent of his field goal attempts from three-point range last season with the Jazz, and converted nearly 36 percent of those attempts. He's also a more capable defender than McRoberts.

Williams signed a two-year, $14-million deal with the Hornets this summer.