News Summary
The Phoenix Suns are prioritizing Mark Williams’ long-term health as he prepares for his first full NBA season. After struggling with injuries in his career, Williams aims to prove his durability ahead of the regular season opener against the Sacramento Kings. While he has been engaged in workouts, his participation in the preseason remains uncertain. Suns’ management remains optimistic about his potential despite previous challenges, as they focus on ensuring he is fully ready for the upcoming season and beyond.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Phoenix Suns are adopting a cautious approach for Mark Williams as he prepares for his first full NBA season. Williams, who is viewed as the starting center of the future for the Suns, has experienced a challenging start to his professional career, playing in only 106 of a possible 246 games due to a series of injuries.
After being acquired during the 2025 NBA Draft through a trade that sent Vasa Micic and two first-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets, Williams aims to be ready for the regular season opener against the Sacramento Kings on October 22, 2025. Although he has not yet participated in live 5-on-5 scrimmages during training camp, he has been fully engaged in other drills and workouts.
Williams’ recent injury history includes a failed physical that voided a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, further complicating his journey. General manager Brian Gregory emphasized the young player’s potential and expressed optimism about his future with the organization during media day. Williams averaged career-best statistics last season, recording 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 44 games.
Despite the positives, the Suns are prioritizing Williams’ long-term health, which has become crucial due to his injuries over the past three seasons. Entering the final year of his four-year, $18 million contract with the Hornets, he will become a restricted free agent after this season. Thus, proving his availability and durability is vital for Williams in the upcoming games.
The Suns are set to face the Brooklyn Nets in two preseason games in Macau, but it’s currently uncertain whether Williams will participate in those matches. If he does not play in the preseason, he risks missing the final game against the Lakers on October 14. Other center options during Williams’ potential absence include teammates Khaman Maluach, Nick Richards, and Oso Ighodaro.
Coach Jordan Ott reported that Williams has improved his lower body strength during the offseason, and his consistent presence at the facility since July shows his commitment to both rehabilitation and team efforts. His teammates and coaching staff have praised this dedication, and fellow player Nick Richards expressed hope that Williams will be able to play “more than 70 games” this season.
As the Suns prepare for the upcoming season, Williams remains optimistic about contributing to the team’s pursuit of becoming a playoff contender. The team’s cautious strategy for Williams reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that he is fully prepared to meet the demands of a full NBA season while also safeguarding his long-term career potential.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
