Suns' Mark Williams gamble showing early promise

Mack Baltes

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Suns betting big on Mark Williams—and early returns look promising image

NBA Entertainment

Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is making the most of his expanded role, proving early in the 2025–26 season that he can once again be a steady double-double producer. After beginning the year on the bench, new head coach Jordan Ott elected to start 2024 second-round pick Oso Ighodaro. But Williams quickly played his way back into the lineup, providing the Suns with consistent interior production on both ends of the floor.

Acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in an offseason trade that cost Phoenix two first-round picks, Williams arrived with expectations to anchor the middle. Last season in Charlotte, he averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, recording a double-double across the year. Phoenix viewed him as a long-term answer at center, provided he could remain healthy.

So far, Williams has shown why the Suns were willing to make a major investment. Through eight games, he has registered four double-doubles and five games with at least 10 rebounds. His most recent performance came in Thursday night’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers, where he posted 13 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. He was one of six Suns players to score in double figures as Phoenix cruised behind a balanced offensive effort.

Durability remains the biggest question surrounding Williams. Across three seasons with the Hornets, he never appeared in more than 44 games and played in just 106 of a possible 246 contests. When available, he has produced at a high level—21 double-doubles in 43 games last season—and his early-season pace mirrors that output.

If Williams can stay on the floor, Phoenix may finally have the stable frontcourt presence it sought. The Suns are off Friday before meeting the Clippers again in a rematch Saturday.

NBA updates incoming 

Senior Editor