Suns’ Mark Williams excited for new season, change of scenery
Phoenix Suns’ Mark Williams, acquired from the Charlotte Hornets, describes his mindset heading into the 2025-26 season.
The Phoenix Suns have a long-term plan for Mark Williams.
Taking Williams’ battles with multiple injuries into account, the Suns are working more on his strength than anything else so far in training camp.
“We know Mark’s history and we’re trying to change it,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “We’re taking an approach. He’s been out here and has been good. This is Sept. 26. Definitely added some strength to him. You can see it when he walks in the building. He definitely has great size. Excited to see where he goes, but we still do have a couple more weeks.”
Williams may see limited action in their four preseason games from Oct. 3 to Oct. 14. They play their regular season opener Oct. 22 against the Sacramento Kings at PHX Arena.
The 7-footer has played a total of 106 games in his three NBA seasons, with injuries ranging from his foot, back, knee, ankle and thumb. The Charlotte Hornets tried to deal Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2025 trade deadline, but the deal was rescinded after Williams failed a team physical.
“I don’t think anyone is thinking tomorrow is the games,” Ott said. “We have a practice tomorrow, not a game. Everything is going to be an intentional plan with whoever it is, young guys, veteran guys. He’s right on the plan. Keep staking days.”
The Suns concluded Day 2 of training camp on Friday, Sept. 26, seeing an increase in the competition.
“The level of everything is high,” Suns star guard Devin Booker said. “Every little mini-drill that we do, we’re split up in groups. We want to win. Everybody is charting their wins in their heads, saying them out loud. Just a high-level gym. Everybody is a competitor. Nobody wants to lose at anything.”
Suns guard Collin Gillespie has noticed Williams’ work ethic in preparing for the season.
“He’s in here at like 7:30 every morning rehabbing and then he’ll get out on the court and stuff,” said Gillespie. “He’s working extremely hard to get back and I know he’s hungry to get back and be on the floor with us.”
He and Williams lived together for a few months during the 2022 NBA pre-draft and have the same agent, Jordan Gertler.
Williams averaged a career-high 15.3 points on 60.2% shooting, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season, showing that when healthy, he can produce.
“Just a rim threat in how we want to play,” Ott said. “Pick-and-roll. Rim protection on the defensive end. Just a big body. As a defender, he’s one of those guys who deters rim shots from even coming. They know he’s down there. You can feel his presence. Will be excited to see how it all comes together. He’s been in here. He’s been in here every day. I think he’s been in here more than anyone. I know he’s working. When he’s out there, we’ll be happy and excited.”
Former Knicks coach in the building
Former New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and Alabama coach Nate Oats attended Friday’s practice.
“I’ve known Nate for a long time,” Ott said. “I knew Nate as a high school coach in Michigan. Go back a long way. To see his career path, it’s really cool to see him in the building. Such a brilliant mind.”
The Knicks fired Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals with him as the head coach. They hired Mike Brown to replace him.
“Just great having those guys around,” Ott continued. “They’ll give me honest feedback. Coach Thibs will give it to you straight. Nate, who I’ve known for a long time, there’s no bias. They’re excited to be here to watch, but having those good basketball minds in the building is definitely helpful.”
Suns senior adviser Steve Nash, coaching adviser Steve Clifford and team owner Mat Ishbia were also at practice, as well as general manager Brian Gregory.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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