The Phoenix Suns made a notable addition to their roster during the 2025 NBA Draft by acquiring Mark Williams, a center previously with the Charlotte Hornets. This trade comes just a few months after an earlier failed attempt by the Los Angeles Lakers to secure his services, which fell through due to a failed physical examination.
Williams had a cautious approach during the preseason, missing all games not due to injury, but to ensure he was in peak physical condition for the regular season. His efforts paid off, as he participated in the Suns’ opening game, contributing significantly to their victory against the Sacramento Kings by playing 25 minutes.
As of now, Williams has featured in 21 games for the Suns, starting in 18 of them. He has averaged 13 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and a career-high 1.4 steals per game while shooting an impressive 65.9% from the field. His performance has quickly swung opinions on the trade in Phoenix’s favor.
When the Lakers initially traded for Williams, it was seen as a beneficial move for the team, though his previous injury history raised some concerns. However, Williams has managed to maintain his fitness this season, missing only four games—already surpassing his second season total in Charlotte, where he played just 19 games.
Mark Williams has demonstrated his compatibility with the Suns, showcasing his abilities in a recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he scored 22 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and contributed three assists and two steals. After the game, he expressed his satisfaction with being in Phoenix, calling it “home” and emphasizing how good it feels to be “wanted.”
The Suns have shown marked improvement defensively this season, moving up from their previous ranking of 27th in the league to 15th, with a defensive rating of 114.1. Williams has played an essential role in this transformation by forcing turnovers and providing rim protection, shedding the “defensive liability” label that he carried from his time in Charlotte.
Offensively, his true shooting percentage stands at an impressive 69%, placing him among the elite starting centers in the league. As the Lakers prepare to face the Suns again, they may well be reminded of the potential impact Williams could have had on their roster.
In the grand scheme, while the Lakers may regret the missed opportunity, it seems that Mark Williams has found a place where he thrives, contributing significantly to the Suns’ success and growth this season. His transition to Phoenix could be viewed as a serendipitous turn of events for both the player and the franchise.