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Suns center takes major step toward opening night return

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 9:54 AM ET

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have one of the youngest, deepest center rotations in the NBA, but its headliner, former Charlotte Hornet Mark Williams, has been plagued with injury throughout his career.

Despite not participating in Phoenix’s four preseason games, the 23-year-old isn’t currently dealing with an injury. Suns coach Jordan Ott expects Williams to be good to go on opening night against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.

Williams recently participated in a live scrimmage during practice this week, further pushing his ramp-up process.

“This was the most minutes he’s seen in a scrimmage that we’ve played,” Ott said after Saturday’s practice. “Mark is big. You can see his size out there, both ends. Offensively, puts pressure on the rim. Defensively, when someone is driving in there, you have to make the decision. re you really going to try to threaten the rim, or are you going to have to kick out? He’s in a good spot.”

Williams in Suns Opening Night

Phoenix acquired Williams in a trade from Charlotte, and he fits into the Suns’ current retool (rather than rebuild, as Mat Ishbia quipped) of young projects surrounded by Devin Booker.

Williams, along with newly acquired star guard Jalen Green, have a lot to prove this season. Reports suggest the Suns are refraining from giving Williams his rookie extension to see how a full season plays out. In three seasons, he’ splayed 43, 19 and 44 total games in the regular season.

Should he suit up on opening night, Williams has an opportunity to start his Phoenix tenure with a bang. Kings star center Domantas Sabonis will be out with a hamstring strain.

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

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