Mo Williams named Eastern Conference player of the week

Charlotte Hornets guard Mo Williams was named Eastern Conference player of the week by the NBA today. Williams averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 assists in 35.5 minutes per game from March 2 to March 8 and led the Hornets to a perfect 4-0 record for the week.

Williams is also the first player to win player of the week honors in both conferences this season. He won Western Conference player of the week honors back in January, when he averaged 30.3 points and 6.3 assists per game from Jan. 12 to Jan. 18 for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

There's no doubt that Williams has been instrumental in helping the Hornets bounce back to relevance in the NBA. The Hornets have a record of 6-3 since they acquired Williams, and it's no secret why. Williams provides a steady leadership and excellent shooting, something the Hornets have severely lacked this season.

Gary Neal was supposed to fill that role for Charlotte this season, but a prolonged shooting slump motivated the Hornets to deal him for a more consistent player. Neal was subsequently dealt to Minnesota with a second round pick for a package of Williams and sharpshooter Troy Daniels on Feb. 10.

In the five games so far this March, the Hornets are shooting a season-high 36.8 percent from deep and putting up a season-high 26.8 assists per game. Both improvements can be credited in large part to Williams.

However, Kemba Walker is expected to return to action within the next two weeks, and will likely reclaim his starting spot once his conditioning allows him to play major minutes. It will be interesting to see how Walker and Williams coexist, if they can at all (they probably can).

The Hornets hope to continue their improved play with a win against the Washington Wizards tonight.