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Every day, we’re previewing another member of the 2026-27 Phoenix Suns to get you ready for training camp and the preseason.
Center, 7’1″, 240 pounds, 24 years old, 5th season
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This season was going to be big for Williams to see if last year’s off-court strengthening work and rest management would pay off in the form of healthy feet and back, allowing him to demonstrate his full potential. Entering his age-25 season, ready to hit his prime and more consistently deliver the strengths seen in the highlight video below. That plan took a major detour when he injured his left labrum in a training pickup game earlier this month, having repair surgery on September 10. Recovery has been estimated at five months.
This accelerated Khaman Maluach’s timeline, which could prove to be a good thing. Undoubtedly, it reduced the Suns’ center depth for at least 3/4 of the regular season. He contributed a career-best 6.3 win shares, most of that on the offensive side, and, by all accounts, was a good teammate, often injecting himself into post-game TV interviews. The team believed in his value, signing him to a guaranteed three-year $38 million contract in the offseason.
I think he’ll find a way to have a valuable role later this year…more to come in the “Prediction” section below.
Last Season
GP
MIN
PPG
RPG
APG
BLK
FG%
3PT%
FT%
OFFRTG
DEFRTG
+/- (TOTAL)
60
23.6
11.7
8.0
1.0
0.9
64.4%
1.000%
77.1%
111.3
113.3
-42
Williams started 55 of the 60 games played. He rested back-to-back games as part of injury management on the back and foot. This worked well much of the season, but then he had recurrences of left foot injuries in March and April.
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He had a field goal percentage over 64%, making good on a shot chart-dense area near the basket. But he continues to show good touch on free throws, with a career make rate of 76% and over 78% the past two seasons. This suggests some untapped ability to shoot. His shot volume limited points to 11.7 per game.
Rebounding of 8.0 per game seems a bit low until you account for this coming on under 24 minutes (or half a game). Offensive rebounding was strong, ranking 13th in the NBA at 4.7 per 36…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/player-preview-mark-williams-could-120000849.html
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Publish date : 2026-09-24 12:00:00
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