The Phoenix Suns are optimistic that Mark Williams will be ready for the team’s 2025-26 season opener against the Sacramento Kings on October 22. The team traded for Williams last June in exchange for Vasilije Micic, the draft rights to Liam McNeeley, and a 2029 first-round pick.
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, Williams has played 5-on-5 the last week and is expected to play in a few more scrimmages. He hasn’t played in the preseason. This report came when Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott commented on Williams’ progress.
“Mark’s on pace. You saw him today. Now he’s doing live (practice). We said initially he’s doing everything but live. Now he’s doing live. So still the same goal, be ready to go for opening night. He’s trying to get the right direction,” Ott said via Duane Rankin of AZ Central.
“We’re going to be smart. But he’s in a good place right now, and I think 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 in, mentally and physically, in a position to do that on a consistent basis,” general manager Brian Gregory said of Williams during Media Day.
Phoenix Suns News: Jordan Ott names Jalen Green’s replacement in the starting lineup on opening night
The Phoenix Suns recently confirmed that Jalen Green is out for the opener against the Sacramento Kings due to a hamstring injury, and head coach Jordan Ott named Grayson Allen as his replacement.
“We all know the soft tissue injuries are really hard to see exactly the progress,” Ott told reporters about Green via Field Level Media. “Obviously, it’s frustrating, but this is all part of it. Thankfully, we caught it early, it’s not that serious, but he wants to be out there. New teammates, new system. There’s just other ways. We’re going to have to speed him up. That’s the reality of it. He did a great job in the China trip hanging in there with us.”
Allen has been one of the Phoenix Suns’ most reliable guards since he arrived in 2023-24. Last season, the 30-year-old averaged 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 45/43/82 shooting splits across 64 regular season appearances.
