Mark Williams sets ‘new standard’ in first start with Phoenix

PHOENIX— Appearance of the following Phoenix Suns the big man could be in the form of a 23-year-old center Mark Williams.

Let’s take a step back before making any bold claims. When is it The Suns traded for Williams in the draftdespite taking on another center in Khaman Maluach, it was felt that Williams might be dropped from the rotation.

That wasn’t the case, and in fact, he was the focal point and crème de la crème of Phoenix’s busy center rotation with him and three others at the position.

Even with the emphasis on competition, head coach Jordan Ott knew Williams’ fitness and proper regimen was more important than anything else.

When the team announced they would be on a minutes restriction, it appeared that Otto’s vision was coming true. Although Williams could boast of a reduced workload, he made the most of it.

Fast forward to his first start in purple and orange, and he delivered. A double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, along with four steals and two blocks, led to his appearance on the scoreboard.

That it wasn’t a thing it still impressed Otto. It was actually much simpler than his performance.

Jordan Ott valued Mark Williams as a starter. He finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

“After the last game (against the Utah Jazz), we talked about the standard, how we teach him and he teaches us.” pic.twitter.com/kkkGk6k05f

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) October 30, 2025

“That he can do that back-to-back games. I think after the last game (against the Utah Jazz), we just talked about his standard as we teach him and he teaches us. Obviously, he’s a big presence there, and how he’s played back-to-back games. We changed things up for Morant tonight.

“He’s able to do that, and that’s not even in the grade. I think there’s more things to be happy about Mark’s place, and now that’s a new standard. Maintaining that standard is what we’re all here to do.”

It’s not just Jordan Ott who loves Mark Williams with the Suns

Another person? Collin Gillespie.

The latter was actually with Williams during the pre-draft process. He touched on that story more during training camp and media day. Gillespie knew the ex-duke big man would come.

Earlier in the week, Williams’ approach hasn’t changed for the Suns. He stayed ready, was patient and tried to make the most of his time.

The double-double will immediately attract attention, but there was more to it than that. Step into the screen and roll, fill empty pockets for easy baskets and be a legitimate threat on the rim.

These are just glimpses of what Gillespie experienced four games.

Colin Gillespie knows what Mark Williams will continue to bring to the table for the Suns.

“He sets great screens and can get guys good looks off screens. He’s done a great job on the glass as well.” pic.twitter.com/PPapcKs5DI2

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) October 30, 2025

Big body. He could put a lot of pressure on the rim, roll and screen. He sets great screens and he can get guys good looks off the screen,” Gillespie said after the game. “And he’s done a great job on the glass as well, but it shows sometimes, he makes those little plays happen on missed shots where he’s going to knock it off the glass and then keep it to himself.

“Yeah, he’s been effective for us. And he’s going to continue to get better as he plays more games, as we have more continuity with each other as we play. It’s been great so far.”

Back-to-back games won’t be a problem. Mentality is not an issue and his performance on the pitch has been outstanding so far. Now it will be about achieving that standard during the season.