The Phoenix Suns will be without starting center Mark Williams for a significant period after he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. This injury, sustained in a recent workout, opens a key developmental window for young big man Khaman Maluach as the Suns look to rebound from a tough end to the 2025-26 season, which concluded with a 122-131 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28.
Williams, 24, signed a three-year, $38 million deal this offseason and was projected to be the opening night starter. His absence is a blow to a team that struggled defensively down the stretch. The Suns' recent form shows a 1W-4L record in their final five games, including four consecutive losses to Oklahoma City to close their campaign.
Third-year forward Oso Ighodaro is the likely candidate to slide into the starting lineup. Ighodaro averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season. He is not a major scoring threat, but his high basketball IQ and passing ability make him a valuable connector on offense. Defensively, he can switch onto smaller players effectively, though he may struggle against stronger post players.
Some within the organization believe Ighodaro might be the team's best option at center even when Williams is healthy. His versatility fits the modern NBA game. But the more intriguing storyline involves Khaman Maluach, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Suns acquired that selection in the Kevin Durant trade.
Maluach's rookie season was a typical adjustment period. The 19-year-old appeared in 46 games, averaging 3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in just under nine minutes per game. He showed flashes of being the rim protector Phoenix needs but was often overwhelmed, especially on defense. The team wisely avoided forcing him into a larger role before he was ready.
His summer league performance in July suggested a player turning a corner. Maluach put up 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. While summer league stats come with caveats, his improved defensive communication and three-point shooting (8-of-20) were real positives. Of Phoenix's three main big men, Maluach is the only one with a reliable outside shot, which could help space the floor for Devin Booker and others.
Mark Williams' injury is a genuine setback. When he was on the court last season, the Suns were a better team. In games where Williams played 25 or more minutes, Phoenix posted a 17-8 record. He provided an efficient interior presence, averaging 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 77.1 percent from the free throw line. He was a constant lob threat in pick-and-roll actions and a solid shot-alterer on defense.
His health has been an issue, however. Williams played a career-high 60 games last season but missed most of March and the entire postseason with a foot injury. This latest shoulder problem adds to a concerning pattern. The Suns' recent results highlight their defensive struggles without a consistent anchor. They gave up 131, 121, 120, 119, and 103 points in their five-game sequence against the Thunder to end last season.
Head coach Jordan Ott now has to reconfigure his rotation earlier than expected. The immediate plan points to Ighodaro starting, with Maluach receiving more consistent backup minutes to accelerate his growth. Maluach turns 20 this week, and this extended opportunity could be vital for his second-year development.
The Suns also added forward Miles Bridges in a July trade, expecting him to provide a scoring boost. How the frontcourt pieces fit around Bridges, Booker, and Dillon Brooks will be a primary focus of training camp. Fans can track the team's recovery and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. Williams' timeline remains unclear, but his extended absence means the Suns' interior defense and rebounding will be tested from the opening tip on October 21 against Portland.
