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Phoenix Suns make Mark Williams decision ahead of preseason opener against LA Lakers

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns will take on the Los Angeles Lakers during their NBA preseason opener.

The two Western Conference sides have locked horns countless times, and it’s only natural for fans to be hyped up about the matchup.

After all, both the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers have made some crucial changes to their rosters, respectively.

Speaking of the Suns, the organization traded for Mark Williams. Yes, the same player that the Lakers traded for last season, but decided to rescind the trade.

Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images

Jordan Ott addresses Mark Williams’ offseason growth

Considering Williams is still furious at the Lakers for rescinding the trade, many expected him to dominate against the Purple and Gold during their preseason opener.

Unfortunately, Williams has been ruled out of the matchup, per AZ Central’s Duane Rankin. The silver lining is that Suns head coach Jordan Ott is fairly impressed by Williams’ offseason growth.

“Since July 1, he’s been in here more than anyone else, developing his strength. I think he’s more than doubled his lower body strength in that time period,” Ott told Rankin.

He added: “He does everything in practice that we ask except live 5-on-5 at this point. We have a plan for him.

“We know what his previous three years were [in Charlotte]. So we have a plan for him going forward.”

While Williams is a talented center, injuries held him back from reaching his full potential with the Charlotte Hornets.

It’s great to see that Ott and his coaching staff aren’t rushing Williams to come back, allowing him to recover before the regular season.

Suns coach Jordan Ott addressing Mark Williams, who won't play in Friday's preseason opener vs. Lakers in Palm Desert: "Since July 1, he's been in here more than anyone else, developing his strength. I think he's more than doubled his lower body strength in that time period. He… pic.twitter.com/hl48PUgVur
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 1, 2025

Jordan Ott on the possibility of Mark Williams’ return during the preseason

Following the Oct 03, 2025, matchup against the Lakers, the Suns are scheduled to play four more games in the preseason.

This includes a two-game trip to China to lock horns against the Brooklyn Nets. So, will Williams travel with the team to China?

“I don’t think anything will change before the China trip. So when we get home from the China trip, we’ll keep evaluating him. He’s still doing as much as he can, just not the live 5-on-5 at this time,” he stated.

It looks like Williams will be sidelined until the Suns’ regular season opener against the Sacramento Kings on Oct 22, 2025. Ott is ready for that scenario as his top priority remains Williams’ fitness.

“We’re trying to assess exactly where he is. The goal is there at the end of camp get him as ready as he can.

“He’s on a good path. Like I said, every drill work you’ve seen him in. Just not the live 5-on-5,” Ott concluded.

Williams averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game last season. Keeping those numbers in mind, it’s certainly worth it to wait for him to get fit.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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