PHOENIX – Mark Williams’ shoulder surgery is a significant blow to the Phoenix Suns. It could also force the organization to answer a question it has been postponing: Which young center is ready to become part of the team’s long-term foundation?
Jan 19, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) vies for position against Brooklyn Nets forward Danny Wolf (2) (obscured) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Update – While there is no timeline being given on how long Mark Williams will be out. From what I am being told we should expect at least 5 months recovering from shoulder surgery.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 11, 2026
Williams will miss an extended amount of time after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, leaving Phoenix without its expected starting center. The immediate solution may be Oso Ighodaro, but the more intriguing storyline involves rookie Khaman Maluach and whether he can turn an unfortunate opportunity into a defining moment. Ighodaro enters the competition with the advantage of familiarity. He has already spent time developing within Phoenix’s system, understands the team’s expectations, and has shown flashes of becoming a dependable two-way contributor. That experience makes him the logical candidate to open the season as the starter.
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
But Maluach represents a different kind of possibility. Selected 10th overall in this past year’s draft, Maluach possesses the size, defensive potential, and athletic tools that made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. His rookie season showed promise, but it also exposed how much refinement he still needs. The difference now is opportunity. Extended minutes against NBA starters could accelerate his development in ways practice reps never can. That is why both players can win this situation.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ighodaro can stabilize the position early, while Maluach receives enough playing time to prove whether his ceiling is higher. If Maluach begins protecting the rim, finishing around the basket and making fewer rookie mistakes, Phoenix may have no choice but to increase his role.
The bigger question is not simply who replaces Williams. It is whether the Suns discover a center who makes Williams’ eventual return more complicated, and their future considerably more promising.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
