PHOENIX— The emergence of the next Phoenix Suns big man could be in the form of 23-year-old center Mark Williams.
Let’s take a step back before making any bold claims. When the Suns traded for Williams on draft night, despite taking another center in Khaman Maluach, it felt like Williams might be brushed out of the rotation.
That hasn’t been the case, and actually, he’s been the focal point and the creme de la creme of Phoenix’s hectic center rotation with himself and three others at the position.
Even with the competition being an emphasis, head coach Jordan Ott knew that getting Williams physically right and in the appropriate regimen was more important than anything.
When the team announced he would be on a minutes restriction, it showed that Ott’s vision was coming to fruition. While Williams could’ve pouted about the decrease in workload, he made the most of it.
Fast forward to his first start in the purple and orange, and he delivered. A 20-point and 11-rebound double-double, along with four steals and two blocks, had him popping out in the stat sheet.
That wasn’t the thing that impressed Ott, though. It was actually much simpler than his performance.
Jordan Ott had nothing but appreciation for Mark Williams as a starter. He finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
“After the last game (vs Utah Jazz), we talked about the standard, as we learn him and he learns us.” pic.twitter.com/kxqGk6q05f
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) October 30, 2025
“That he can do it back-to-back games. I think after the last game (vs Utah Jazz), we just talked about his standard as we learn him and he learns us. Obviously, he's a big presence out there, and how he's done back-to-back games. We were changing things up for Morant tonight.
“He's able to do it, so even that's not on the box score. I think there are multiple things there we can be happy about where Mark is at, and now that's a new standard. Keeping them to that standard is what we're all here to do.”
It isn't just Jordan Ott who loves Mark Williams with the Suns
The other individual? Collin Gillespie.
The latter actually was with Williams during the pre-draft process. He touched more on that story during training camp and media day. Gillespie knew that the former Duke big man would come around.
Earlier in the week, Williams's approach didn't change for the Suns. He stayed ready, was patient, and made sure to make the most of his time.
The double-double will immediately catch the attention, but it was more than that. Stepping up in the screen and roll, filling the empty pockets for easy buckets, and being a legitimate rim threat.
Those are only a glimpse of what Gillespie has seen through four games.
Collin Gillespie knows what Mark Williams will continue to bring to the table for the Suns.
“He sets great screens and able to give guys good looks coming off the screens. He’s done a great job on the glass as well.” pic.twitter.com/PPapcX5DI2
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) October 30, 2025
A big body. He could put a ton of pressure on the rim, rolling, and screening. He sets great screens and can give guys good looks coming off the screen,” Gillespie said postgame. “And he's done a great job on the glass as well, but you kind of see it sometimes, he makes those little plays happen off of missed shots where he'll tip it off the glass and then keep it to himself.
“Yeah, he's been effective for us. And he's going to continue to get better as he plays more games, as we get more continuity with each other while playing. It's been awesome so far.”
The back-to-back games won't be an issue. The mentality isn't an issue, and his on-court performance has been exceptional up to this point. Now, it'll be about achieving that standard for the duration of the season.
