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Suns being cautious with starting center Mark Williams for 2025-2026 season

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 4:29 PM ET

Reports out of Phoenix Suns training camp has highlighted how competitive the group has been through three days. Head coach Jordan Ott has sung the praises for his group and has built up the excitement for the 2025-2026 season. However, one player that hasn’t been a part of the scrimmages and live-play is expected starting center next year Mark Williams.

Ott stated that Williams is in a good position, but the team wants to be cautious for their young center to ensure he’s healthy for a long time.

Suns HC Ott on Williams progress in training camp:

Jordan Ott confirmed Mark Williams isn't injured as the Suns had a scrimmage today.

Nick Richards, Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro have been getting most of the work as far as the bigs in camp.

"He's in a good place. We want Mark to know is we care about him this year and going… pic.twitter.com/Azhr3FoD43

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 27, 2025

The concerns about Williams health is a valid one. The 23-year-old has played in less than 50% of possible games in his first three seasons, with a career high in games played being 44. When on the court, Williams is a double-double athletic machine, and in the right system, could be the missing piece for a contender.

Williams stock around the league tanked after a trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets failed because he didn’t pass his physical. This led many analysts being confused by the Suns decision to trade two first-round picks for Williams, especially after drafting Khaman Maluach with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

However, the decision makes more sense because of how Phoenix is being careful with Williams. The Suns have a deep center rotation consisting of Nick Richards, Oso Ighodaro and Maluach that could use the reps of training camp and preseason. Williams already has all the tools to be a premier big man in this league, all he needs is too stay healthy. Phoenix is eyeing to protect its investment to be a massive part of the team’s identity moving forward.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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