Mark Williams was one of the biggest question marks heading into the season when the Suns traded for him on draft night. After selecting Khaman Maluach with the tenth overall pick just seconds before, fans wondered how Williams would truly fit into this team. With him having had past injuries that limited his full potential, no one knew what Williams could truly be for this squad.
That is where Phoenix took a risk of acquiring him and trying to use him as their new starting center. This risk would prove beneficial for the team, as they struck gold with someone who has clearly shown that, in the right system, he can flourish and, with the help of this training staff, has managed to stay healthy all season. So how does he do it?
Well, recently, [Williams sat down with Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype](https://www.hoopshype.com/story/sports/nba/2026/01/31/nba-intel-cavs-kings-lakers-cam-thomas-bucks-mavs-suns-spurs/88449055007/) to talk about his short time here in Phoenix and how he has grown as a player.
As we have all seen, Williams has been available this year, which is a vast difference from the past. To start, they were very hesitant with Williams’ playing style and brought him off the bench to bring him up to game speed. Then they had him sit out back-to-back games early in the season to limit the risk of injury. By doing this, the Suns allowed Williams to get comfortable with the team and find his rhythm in his new role.
Allowing Williams to get used to his body and adjust to the Suns’ fast-paced style was key to his success, and I am glad the Suns took the time to do so. We have already seen some monstrous performances from the big man, especially in both games against the Nets, where, when he got the touches, he made the Nets know. With the Suns wanting to get him more involved, this adds to the team’s versatility, which can beat you every night.
> **How would you describe your fresh start with the Suns?**
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> **Mark Williams:** It’s been great. I’ve been here all summer. I’ve really focused on my body and working on my game. This organization has shown a lot of love and support and helped me be the best version of myself.
Since all of that has come together, we have now seen Williams play in 44 games this season, tying a career high for the big man, one he will break shortly. A huge credit goes to the Suns staff for working with him and making sure he stayed on this track.
> **What’s been the biggest reason for your improved availability on a consistent basis?**
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> **MW:** I’ve had a good plan in place with the staff. I had a bunch of different injuries in the past. For us, it was making a focus of getting overall strength around my body and not trying to overdo anything and overcompensate. I’ve done on-court work, weight room work, and all the recovery stuff has been really good.
The availability he has is excellent for his growth as a player, allowing him to shine bright in the Valley. This season, he is averaging 12.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.1 steals, and 1 block per game in 24 minutes. Even if his numbers are drastically better than in Charlotte, the availability has allowed him to compete at a high level throughout the season, which I consider a better win. Not to mention, his numbers are still solid in the role he plays, where he has grown tremendously on the defense end
This growth on that side of the ball, being a better rim protector, allows Mark to get the rim pressure the Suns need. They lacked this sort of pressure last year, and even though Williams is better on the offensive end, he can come up big, nabbing some blocks or even now getting some steals. His aggressiveness in fighting for rebounds and generating second-chance points has been key, especially on offense. Williams has filled in the gaps that this front court has been missing in past seasons.
We have also seen Williams be immensely reliable in games when they go to him. As I mentioned earlier, please take a look here at the recent game against the Nets. The Suns had the most points in the paint that season with 72, and Williams was the leading scorer with 27.
They continued to attack the Nets’ weak frontcourt defense, and even Jordan Ott agreed he was a significant factor in that win.
All of this coming together has put Williams in a great spot moving forward, both for the Suns and for his personal growth. After years of uncertainty and being viewed as an “injury-prone” center, he has written that narrative off as false. He has proved his doubters wrong, as many Suns on this team have, by showing his actual value.
Williams can be a great contributor for this team, and even in the future when his contract is up this offseason. After a solid year with the team and remaining healthy, he can get a payday he is well deserving of, and one the Suns would be happy to give him.
> **Did you have any extra motivation coming into the season after not signing a contract extension with the Suns when you were eligible?**
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> **MW:** In a way. I think for both sides it made sense. At the same time, I knew what I was capable of doing. Obviously, the biggest question around me was my availability and my body. I think the staff and I have done a great job of being available and being there for my team. I think if I continue to do that, it’ll all take care of itself.
Ultimately, I think he has found his home in Phoenix and cannot wait to see the continued growth Williams presents this season and in the future.