The Phoenix Suns open training camp on September 29 with their center position in flux after a significant injury to Mark Williams. Williams underwent surgery on September 10 for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury that could sideline him for three to six months.
With Williams out, the Suns must find a new starting center. The primary candidates are sophomore Oso Ighodaro and 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach. However, his offensive game is largely confined to the paint, and he shot just 45.3% from the free-throw line. Maluach, the 10th overall pick from Duke, saw limited action as a rookie. But he turned heads in the NBA Summer League, putting up 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from three-point range. His lack of NBA strength is a concern, but the opportunity is now his to seize.
Devin Booker is entering his prime, and the Suns' championship window is intrinsically tied to his performance. The core, built around Booker and Bradley Beal, is expensive and aging. Another season derailed by injury or underperformance puts immense pressure on the franchise's future. The sweep by Oklahoma City, which included a brutal 119-84 loss on April 19, was a stark reminder of the gap between Phoenix and the West's elite. Every game Williams misses puts more burden on Booker to carry the offensive load and increases the need for immediate contributions from young players like Maluach.
Beyond the center spot, the Suns have other roster decisions. They invited veteran big man Duop Reath to training camp. Reath, who is also from South Sudan like Maluach, averaged 2.9 points last season. His most productive year was his 2023-24 rookie campaign with Portland. His presence provides insurance and a potential mentor for Maluach. The power forward position remains stable, but the overall frontcourt depth will be tested early, especially on the glass and defensively. Fans can track the team's roster moves and injury updates on our roster page.
The way the 2025-26 season ended hangs over this camp. After a play-in win, Phoenix was thoroughly outmatched by the Thunder. The series loss was part of a 1-4 finish, with the lone win being a 135-103 blowout of Oklahoma City on April 13. Building a new identity without a key piece like Williams makes that challenge even tougher. The schedule won't wait, so establishing rhythm and defensive principles in camp is essential. The team's upcoming matchups are available on our schedule list.
