PHOENIX — Rex Walters may not know Mark Williams better than everyone in the NBA, but the former Charlotte Hornets assistant coach probably is close. For two years, Walters was Williams’ developmental coach, working out the big man and watching film.
During a recent phone conversation, Walters, a former NBA guard and the current head coach at Regis University in Denver, discussed how Williams’ size and skill could impact his new team, the Phoenix Suns. But when it was offered that Williams could be a top-10 center this season, Walters pushed back.
“I’m not going to say top 10; I can just go to Basketball Reference and I can name 10 centers that are better,” Walters said. “But …”
That’s the issue with Williams. The talent is obvious, but so are the concerns. Over his first three NBA seasons, all in Charlotte, he had impressive moments. Last season, the 7-foot Williams averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds and was a strong defensive presence near the rim. The problem was availability. Over three seasons, Williams played in only 43 percent of 246 games because of injuries.
Walters continued:
“… he has the capability. He’s a guy that’s smart enough. The health and level of intensity of his work will determine (his potential). And he knows this.”
Mark Williams scored 20 or more points 10 times last season, including a season-high 38 against the Memphis Grizzlies in January. (Kevin Jairaj / Imagn Images)
After a disappointing season, the Suns overhauled their roster over the summer, discarding Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal and rebuilding around star guard Devin Booker. Among newcomers, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks have gotten the most attention, but it’s Williams who might be the key to this season’s success. Phoenix needs someone who can be a force around the rim on both ends.
Former NBA head coach Tyrone Corbin, who also worked with Williams as an assistant in Charlotte, offered this scouting report on the big man entering his fourth season:
“He could be one of the better rim protectors in the game, first of all. He could get quicker at setting screens and just rolling to the rim really hard. He’s a threat at the rim always because he can catch the ball. He just has to get there a little quicker. … He’s smart. … He has the potential to be a pretty good starter and a reliable guy in the lane. …
“He’s going to score some points. His touch has gotten better. He shot a lot of 3-pointers in pre-practice workouts, just trying to get him comfortable shooting them in the corner. His stroke is not bad, it will get better over time and as he gets more confidence. He can pick-and-pop a little, but I really like him in the paint and at the rim.”
On draft night, the Suns acquired Williams from Charlotte for guard Vasilije Micić, the 29th pick (which turned out to be Connecticut’s Liam McNeeley) and a 2029 first-round pick. The move drew national criticism for two reasons.
One: Phoenix used the No. 10 pick on Duke’s Khaman Maluach, a 7-footer many had projected to go higher in the draft, and also had center Nick Richards under contract.
Two: Williams had a history of foot and back problems. Months earlier, Charlotte attempted to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Lakers backed out after the big man reportedly failed a physical examination. (Williams’ agent later released a statement saying the Lakers should not have failed Williams during the physical and that Williams was ready to play.)
Mark Williams offseason work 😤
📍 @Verizon 5G Performance Center pic.twitter.com/6ohmPBQYOi
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) September 17, 2025
The Suns had seen Williams at his best. On Charlotte’s trip to Phoenix last season, he posted one of his better games, finishing with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Williams reached high to catch a sharp pass from LaMelo Ball, regained his balance and scored. Williams set a high screen, rolled to the rim, caught a pocket pass and dunked. He tipped an offensive rebound to himself, providing an extra possession, an effort that led to a Charlotte open 3.
To Phoenix, Williams, who will be a restricted free agent after this season, was worth the risk.
“The one thing we have to remember about Mark, he’s 23 years old,” general manager Brian Gregory said at media day. “He has a bright future here in Phoenix, so when it comes to moving it forward, we’re going to be strategic, we’re going to be smart, but he’s in a good place right now. And in terms of what he’s been through, he’s shown glimpses of what he can be, and it’s our job to put him mentally and physically in a position to do that on a consistent basis.”
Since the trade, Williams has worked on strengthening his core and lower body. In practice, he’s participated in every drill, but the Suns have held him out of live 5-on-5 action, which they insist is an intentional plan to keep Williams healthy. He did not play in Phoenix’s first preseason game against the Lakers and may not participate this weekend against the Brooklyn Nets in China.
“He understands this is a career, it’s not a today, it’s not a tomorrow type of plan, and I think he feels our intention with that,” first-year coach Jordan Ott said after a recent practice. “And his participation has been unbelievable. He comes with a joy every day, even though he at times wants to do more, and that’s what we love about him.”
Coming out of college in 2022, Phoenix guard Collin Gillespie roomed with Williams, a Duke standout the Hornets would select 15th, during the draft process. Upon learning the Suns had acquired Williams, Gillespie was excited. His agent, who also represents Williams, told him the big man would change his life with his screening and lob-threat potential.
At media day, Williams said he’s enjoyed the change of scenery. The injuries have been frustrating, but he pointed out that his production has improved each season. And like most everyone else on Phoenix’s roster, he’s excited to put his offseason work to use and prove himself.
Walters said that if that’s the case, then, yes, Williams could be a top-10 center. He has the talent. And if Williams stays healthy, the question becomes, “How good does he want to be?”
“If he has that mindset, he can get there,” Walters said. “If he’s OK with being a starting center, then he’ll (just) be a starting center. Because here’s the thing. Mark’s going to be fine in life regardless. He’s super smart. He’s going to do well once his playing days are over. But if he wants to be great, he can be.”
