Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is sidelined to kick off the 2026-27 NBA season, a massive blow for the team after he went down during a scrimmage. The former Duke first-round pick suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury that required successful surgery. While the surgery itself went well, the timeline for his return is completely up in the air, with the big man expected to miss “several months” of action. This isn’t just a minor setback, folks, this is a serious hit for the Suns right out of the gate.
The Big Gap Williams Leaves Behind
Williams brought some serious production to the Suns last season in his first year with the squad. He was putting up solid numbers, averaging 11.7 points and pulling down eight rebounds per game. Plus, he chipped in with an assist, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks, showing he was active on both ends of the floor. Losing that kind of consistent presence in the middle for an extended period, especially for “several months,” means the team faces a huge challenge to fill that void. Who steps up and brings that intensity and production to the paint? That’s the question staring Phoenix dead in the face right now.
Next Man Up: Ighodaro and Maluach’s Moment
With Williams out, the Suns are already looking to Oso Ighodaro, who is expected to step into the starting center role. This is his chance to prove he can handle the pressure. But it’s not just Ighodaro getting a bigger look. This injury also cracks open a massive opportunity for another Duke alum, Khaman Maluach. Maluach, a former No. 10 overall pick, apparently “dominated” during the 2026 NBA Summer League. Now, his rookie season stats were a bit more modest, averaging three points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in just 8.9 minutes per game. But hey, this is his moment to show that Summer League flash wasn’t just a fluke.
The Suns are going to need both Ighodaro and Maluach to elevate their games big time. With Williams out for what could be a significant chunk of the season, these guys are going to be under the microscope. We’ll be watching to see how they handle the increased minutes and responsibility as Phoenix navigates the early part of the season without their key big man.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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