Suns Explore Center Options After Williams' Injury

Mark Williams' foot injury opens door for Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach to earn more minutes at center.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Phoenix Suns announced that center Mark Williams will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks due to a stress reaction in his left foot. This opens up a timely period of experimentation at the center position, with second-year big Oso Ighodaro poised to take on a larger role and rookie Khaman Maluach potentially earning more minutes. The Suns will have to navigate the strengths and weaknesses of their young centers as they look to maintain their bench production.

Why it matters

Williams' injury is a concern heading into his restricted free agency this summer, as injuries have impacted his seasons before. The Suns now have an opportunity to evaluate Ighodaro and Maluach in more substantial roles, which could impact their long-term plans at the center position.

The details

Ighodaro has been cutting into Williams' playing time in recent games, closing out some games and playing extended minutes. Ighodaro is an undersized but versatile center who excels as a defender, screener, and passer, but lacks traditional scoring elements. Maluach, the Suns' 10th overall pick, has had limited playing time so far but will now have a chance to earn more minutes. Head coach Jordan Ott said the team is open to small-ball lineups as well to fill the center minutes.

  • Mark Williams will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks due to a stress reaction in his left foot.
  • Oso Ighodaro has been playing extended minutes at center, including closing out recent games.

The players

Mark Williams

The Suns' starting center who is dealing with a stress reaction in his left foot and will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks.

Oso Ighodaro

A second-year big man who has been earning more minutes at center, showcasing his versatile defensive skills and chemistry with the Suns' starters.

Khaman Maluach

The Suns' 10th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, who will now have an opportunity to earn more playing time at center with Williams' injury.

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What they’re saying

“He's our best defender, or one of our best defenders. But it's going to put him in a lot of different situations.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach (arizonasports.com)

“(Having them) catch it where I want it instead of where they want it. So it's just readiness, being in the stance and not letting them get deep post catches.”

— Oso Ighodaro (Arizona Sports)

“We'll live with the mistakes and then we'll speed you up as fast as possible. That's our job.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach (arizonasports.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This injury to Mark Williams opens up an intriguing opportunity for the Suns to evaluate their young center options in Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach. How they perform in these expanded roles could have significant implications for the Suns' long-term plans at the position.