{"id":102306,"date":"2026-09-17T03:22:53","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T03:22:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fallsurfing.net\/firstnews\/the-mark-williams-injury-doesnt-require-an-immediate-solution\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T03:22:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T03:22:53","slug":"the-mark-williams-injury-doesnt-require-an-immediate-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fallsurfing.net\/firstnews\/the-mark-williams-injury-doesnt-require-an-immediate-solution\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mark Williams\u2019 injury doesn\u2019t require an immediate solution"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\tFeb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) against the Boston Celtics in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The news that Mark Williams tore his labrum<\/a> during a recent scrimmage, with the possibility that he could be out until at least the All-Star break, is not how the Suns wanted to begin the season.<\/p>\n

Every team needs health to remain competitive, and Phoenix already enters the year with limited flexibility. The Suns are carrying $ 23.2 million in dead cap money and currently sit $ 1.7 million below the second apron, where they are hard-capped. That makes replacing production even more difficult. It also accelerates the timeline for players like Khaman Maluach and forces the organization to alter the developmental path it likely envisioned for him entering the season. Instead of bringing him along gradually, Phoenix may now need meaningful production from him much sooner than expected.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve already talked about what Williams\u2019 injury means<\/a> for both Khaman Maluach and third-year big Oso Ighodaro. We\u2019ve also explored why Maluach should ultimately get the first crack at the starting role<\/a>. But there\u2019s another exercise worth exploring. Should the Suns look to the free agent market to fortify their center depth while Williams is out?<\/p>\n

As things currently stand, the center rotation consists of Maluach and Ighodaro. Behind them, there isn\u2019t much. Rasheer Fleming could theoretically play some small ball five if needed. Phoenix also has two-way big CJ Huntley, who can be elevated and remain available for up to 50 regular season games. If Phoenix chooses to lean on Huntley as the primary depth option behind Maluach and Oso, that 50-game threshold would carry them to roughly the All-Star break, which could line up rather conveniently with the current timeline surrounding Williams\u2019 return. So yes, that is a viable path.<\/p>\n