GLENDALE – One of the biggest question for the Phoenix Suns is the health of expected starting center Mark Williams. During his first three seasons, the 23-year-old has suited up for 106 out of a possible 246 games, around 43% of games. When he is on the court, Williams is a walking double-double. Last season, the seven-footer played a career high 44 games and averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix sent out two first-round picks to grab Williams from the Charlotte Hornets and will want to preserve its investment by limiting the big man’s minutes. However, even in limited minutes, Williams can make a massive impact for the team’s overall success.
Jan 24, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Suns Williams stats prediction for 2025-2026 season:
- Games Played: 55
- MPG: 24.8
- PPG: 13.2
- RPG: 9.9 (2.9 offensive rebounds)
- APG: 1.9
- BPG: 1.4
Mar 14, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reaches for a pass over San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The crowded center rotation of 1st-round pick Khaman Maluach, last year’s starter Nick Richards and second-year Suns Oso Ighodaro will have Williams play the least amount of minutes since his rookie season. However, Williams is clearly the most complete offensive and defensive big man in the rotation, with his raw athletic ability as a lob threat and controlling the glass.
Williams is one of 15 NBA players to average a double-double last season, and one of 10 to also average 1.0 block a game. The 2022 15th overall pick was tied for 10th in offensive rebound with a three a game, as his 7’6 wingspan and nine-foot-nine standing reach has given opponents immense trouble.
Mar 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) and center Mark Williams (5) react during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
The prediction of 55 games is slightly too optimistic, but if head coach Jordan Ott limits Williams minutes early on in the season, he should be able to make it that mark. If Williams continue similar production that he has been doing in his previous three years with the Hornets, then that could be enough to propel the Suns to a Play-In spot.
Suns will need to get over this massive hurdle in 2025-2026 schedule
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
