With injuries sidelining both Devin Booker and Jalen Green, the Phoenix Suns are once again navigating life without their top offensive weapons. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this squad, it’s that they don’t dwell on what they’re missing - they focus on what they’ve got. And right now, what they’ve got is a golden opportunity for Mark Williams to step into the spotlight.
Williams, acquired from Charlotte, has already proven to be a worthwhile addition simply by staying on the floor - something that wasn’t a given earlier in his career. He’s handled back-to-backs, logged consistent minutes, and provided a stabilizing presence in the paint.
That alone made the trade a win. But now, with the Suns shorthanded, Williams has a chance to do more than just fill a role - he can make his case as a foundational piece moving forward.
And timing is everything. Williams is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and if he can take on a bigger offensive load in the coming weeks, he’s in position to earn the kind of deal that reflects his growing value.
This isn’t just about getting paid - it’s about proving he can be more than a rim-runner and defensive anchor. The Suns need someone to step up, and Williams has the physical tools and opportunity to be that guy.
The emergence of rookie Oso Ighodaro has added another layer to Phoenix’s frontcourt rotation. Ighodaro’s energy and instincts have been a bright spot, but finding the right balance between him and Williams - especially on the offensive end - is still a work in progress. The Suns don’t need them to be twin towers, but they do need them to coexist in a way that doesn’t clog the lane or stall the offense.
What complicates things is the current state of the trade market. With big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis floating in the rumor mill, teams across the league - including the Suns - are in a bit of a holding pattern.
That uncertainty has made it tough for Phoenix to pull the trigger on other moves, but it’s also elevated the importance of internal development. In other words: if you can’t trade for help, you’d better find it in-house.
And that’s where Williams comes in. He’s already averaging 12 points and 8.2 rebounds per game - solid numbers, especially given his role.
But with more touches likely coming his way, a modest bump to something like 15 and 10 isn’t out of reach. The Suns don’t need him to become Joel Embiid overnight, but a few more back-to-the-basket touches, a bit more offensive initiation, and a stronger presence in the halfcourt could go a long way.
Defensively, there’s no questioning his impact. Phoenix currently ranks seventh in the league in defensive rating (112.1), and Williams is a big reason why. His ability to protect the rim, alter shots, and anchor the back line has been crucial - especially as the Suns try to hold the line without their stars.
That said, Williams still has work to do offensively. He doesn’t have a go-to move in the post, and most of his points come from dunks, putbacks, and lobs.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing - it’s just the baseline. If he can add a little finesse to his physicality, maybe a reliable hook shot or a quick face-up move, it would change the way defenses have to play him.
And with Booker and Green out, now’s the time to experiment.
Let’s be clear: when the Suns are fully healthy, Williams isn’t going to be the focal point of the offense. But that doesn’t mean he can’t carve out a bigger role.
He’s going to get paid this summer - that much feels certain. But the size of that deal, and the long-term vision the Suns have for him, could hinge on what he shows in the next few weeks.
And if Collin Gillespie - another player making the most of his minutes - can step up and contribute, there’s no reason Williams, a former Duke standout with elite length and athleticism, can’t do the same. He’s healthy, he’s on the court, and for the first time in a while, he has a clear runway to show just how much he can offer.
For Williams and the Suns, this isn’t just a stretch of games without their stars. It’s an audition for the future - and Williams has a massive opportunity to make his case.