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.
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott said center Mark Williams has done everything in camp except the live 5-on-5 action, but the 7-footer won’t play in the Oct. 3 preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers in Palm Desert, Calif.
“Since July 1, he’s been in here more than anyone else, developing his strength,” Ott said, after training-camp practice on Oct. 1.
“I think he’s more than doubled his lower body strength in that time period,” Ott said. “He does everything in practice that we ask except live 5-on-5 at this point. We have a plan for him. We know what his previous three years were (in Charlotte). So we have a plan for him going forward.”
Suns coach Jordan Ott addressing Mark Williams, who won’t play in Friday’s preseason opener vs. Lakers in Palm Desert: “Since July 1, he’s been in here more than anyone else, developing his strength. I think he’s more than doubled his lower body strength in that time period. He… pic.twitter.com/hl48PUgVur
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 1, 2025
Williams has played a total of 106 games in three seasons with injuries ranging from his foot, back, knee, ankle and thumb. The Suns traded Vasa Micic and two first-round draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for Williams and a second-round selection going into this season.
“I don’t think anything will change before the China trip,” Ott continued. “So when we get home from the China trip, we’ll keep evaluating him. He’s still doing as much as he can, just not the live 5-on-5 at this time.”
When asked if Williams will play in one of the four preseason games, Ott said, “We’re trying to assess exactly where he is. The goal is there at the end of camp get him as ready as he can. He’s on a good path. Like I said, every drill work you’ve seen him in. Just not the live 5-on-5.”
The Suns have the China trip for two games against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 10 and Oct. 12. They then return for their final preseason game on Oct. 14 against the Lakers at PHX Arena.
Phoenix’s main guys aren’t expected to play Oct. 14 after a flight from China that could be as long as 15 to 16 hours. If Williams doesn’t play in China, the odds say he won’t play in any of the preseason games, but the Suns want to have him ready for the games that count.
The Suns open the regular season Oct. 22 against the Sacramento Kings at PHX Arena.
“I just want to prove my availability,” said Williams during the team’s media day last month. “I think my performance speaks for itself, but I just got to be on the floor more.”
Williams’ injury history led him and the Suns to make a commitment this summer to gain strength, particularly in the lower body.
“Putting on some strength, but not particularly being heavier,” Williams said. “Still want to be able to move, be fluid. Being able to be out there and being able to endure a season.”
Williams saw action in a career-high 44 games last season, starting 41, after a career-low 19 games in the 2023-24 season. He also experienced his most productive year last season in averaging career highs in points at 15.3 per game and rebounds at 10.2 a game.
The Lakers looked to address the center position heading into the playoffs by trading for Williams before the 2025 trade deadline, but they rescinded the deal due to Williams failing their team physical.
The trade is serving as motivation for Williams.
Suns big Mark Williams on making Hornets ‘regret’ trading him: “Just to be where you’re wanted is always great. To be here is exciting. Charlotte was ultimately where I was drafted to. There was a belief in me at some point, but once you trade me the first time, it was only a… pic.twitter.com/TZJGZou8YU
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 25, 2025
“Just to be where you’re wanted is always great,” Williams said at media day. “To be here is exciting. Charlotte was ultimately where I was drafted to. There was a belief in me at some point, but once you trade me the first time, it was only a matter of time before I was gone. So I knew that was coming. I just intend to make them regret that decision every time I’m on the court.”
Fellow Suns big Nick Richards saw Williams deal with injuries firsthand as they were teammates in Charlotte for two full seasons (2022-24).
Richards felt for Williams during that time, but he sees him being in a good place now.
“You want him to be healthy at all times, but just from being around him all the time, it doesn’t look like he’s frustrated,” Richards said. “We don’t really talk about it as much. I don’t think he really wants it on his mind as much, but it seems like he’s in positive spirits. He’s excited for the season. He’s excited for the year to start. It’s probably going to be one of his best years as far as playing in as many games as possible.”
Richards said the hope is for Williams to play “more than 70 games.”
Suns big Nick Richards said the hope is for Mark Williams to play “more than 70 games” this season.
Williams has played a total of 106 games in three NBA seasons.
“You want him to be healthy at all times, but just from being around him all the time, it doesn’t look like he’s… pic.twitter.com/6Yt41xRHVt
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 1, 2025
Suns general manager Brian Gregory and Ott often reference how Williams closed last season when addressing the future of the team’s projected starting big.
Williams averaged 14.7 points on 64.7% shooting, 11.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in his final nine games.
Phoenix hopes to build on that finish and have it carry over into this season, with Williams having a stronger, more durable body to play most of the season.
Williams is entering the final year of a four-year, $18-million deal. He’ll be a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.
“He understood where he was at and where he needed to get to and he’s worked every single day on that,” Gregory said at media day about Williams. “… The one thing we have to remember about Mark, he’s 23 years old. He’s got a bright future here in Phoenix. When it comes to moving him forward, we’re going to be strategic, we’re going to be smart, but he’s in a good place right now.”
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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