The Suns’ X-factor heading into the 2025-26 NBA season

For all changes to the list Phoenix Suns made during the 2025 offseason, the franchise made one move that may have flown under the radar: trading for Mark Williams.

After the Suns acquired Williams in the draft, it appeared to be confusing, as the team drafted another young center in Khaman Maluach with the 10th overall pick. Not to mention, they already had Nick Richards and Oso Ighodar on the roster at the respective center positions.

Still, Williams might be the best player in the group. He fits into what Phoenix wants to do. They want to attack downhill and in transition while establishing a legitimate defensive identity. Williams’ physicality, defensive awareness and youthful spark bring a much-needed element. While the team struggled to find legitimate centers in 2024-25, that is not the case this season.

While it is Suns still reveal a central rotationit might be set in stone earlier than people think.

Mark Williams gives the Suns a real lob threat

The Suns they did not have a legitimate presence in the basket by Jusuf Nurkić. Even then, the center was more focused on footwork and playing the face-up game.

For Williams, he’s not afraid of the physical. His athleticism allows him to effectively make jump shots, spin moves and scramble around the basket.

Most importantly, he’s a lobbying threat the organization hasn’t used since Deandre Ayton. Even then, Williams is a far better athlete than the latter.

During Suns media day, Jaylen Green said he was excited to play with the former Hornets center. He also added that never had a big one to go down with in transition.

The same sentiment applied to Devin Booker and the entire organization. Williams is someone they want to have on the team. He fits the bill and checks all the boxes, but one thing remains a question mark.

Jaylen Green has been able to play alongside Alperen Sengun, who is very different from Mark Williams as a big man

So I asked Green what he was looking forward to with this new partnership pic.twitter.com/zcOBaieDA2

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) September 25, 2025

Can Mark Williams stay healthy for the Suns?

This is easily the biggest question on everyone’s mind: Can Williams stay healthy? He did not play at all during the preseason and did not participate in any 5-on-5 action during training camp.

That alone raised immediate concerns, but head coach Jordan Ott dismissed them and cited the program they’ve developed since Williams came to Phoenix.

Fast forward to two days before the season starts, and he’s headed in the right direction. He took part in the 5-on-5 action and went full speed.

There were even instances where he brought the ball up the field and established the play as the first ball handler. The skill set will grow, and playing with elite guards like Booker and Green will allow him to get easier looks by simply being there.

However, there may be another motivating factor to stay on the floor.

No rookie extension for Mark Williams

During Monday’s practice, Williams mentioned that he did not receive a rookie contract extension. Despite that, it is without disturbing him one bit.

“I’m going to let my game take care of itself. Just focus on basketball, focus on the team and have a really good year,” he said.

That could be true, and probably is, but that doesn’t mean money isn’t something to strive for. The top 4 players in the 2022 NBA draft class – the same year Williams was drafted – all got their rookies.

Williams did not.

But related to the earlier point, if he stays healthy, that could be the biggest obstacle. If he can stay healthy, it will not only do wonders for this Suns team, but for his career as well. This is a real win for both parties if Williams is able to consistently suit up for the Suns in the 2025-26 NBA season.