PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns’ acquisition of center Mark Williams during the 2025 NBA Draft has been largely defined by a crucial factor: maintaining his health. After a history of limited playing time due to injuries, Williams’ improved durability has been essential for the Suns’ plans this season.
Williams’ previous health struggles were so significant that the Los Angeles Lakers canceled a trade in February 2025 after he failed their physical. Still, Suns general manager Brian Gregory believed the organization could better manage Williams’ physical condition, an approach that has already shown promising results.
How Mark Williams Has Defied Prior Injury Concerns
This season, Williams has appeared in 47 games, surpassing his previous career high of 44 games played in a single season, with 30 games remaining on the schedule. The Suns have deliberately planned to rest him during certain back-to-back matchups to protect his knees. Aside from these strategic rests, the only missed game was a suspension following an incident involving New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado.
Suns head coach Jordan Ott emphasized the progress Williams has made, stating,
“He’s such a mature adult that he owns his own development. He knew this was a big piece. It was a big piece to this year, and he’s superseded any expectation we’ve had for him, not only as being available but as a player, and we’re so excited to see what’s next.”
Ott also highlighted the importance of Williams staying healthy ahead of a full offseason to further his development, adding,
“It’s really a testament to what he did this summer every day in here without being actually on the basketball court.”
Contrasting Injury Experiences with Jalen Green
In the same offseason that brought Williams to Phoenix, the Suns traded for guard Jalen Green, whose health record contrasts sharply with Williams’. Green was acquired to replace Bradley Beal, who had a history of injuries. However, Green has struggled with a hamstring issue this season and has already logged a career-low five games played, with 30 remaining.
Green, a player known for his durability—having played 67 games as a rookie and missing only six games total in the following three regular seasons—has been sidelined by hamstring tightness and a recent hip contusion. These injuries have caused him to miss three games so far. Despite this unsettling trend, coach Ott noted Green’s attitude through the setbacks:
“He does have like a youthfulness to him, himself, that I think helps him on some of these down days where he never really feels how down he is. And now that the end is in sight, like he can feel that he’s very close.”
Team Momentum Builds as Injuries Ease
Both Green and Devin Booker, who is recovering from an ankle injury, are currently considered day-to-day. Green recently returned to the court, playing 16 minutes off the bench, which adds optimism for his return to form. Coach Ott remarked on the impact Green has when he plays, saying,
“When he steps on the court, everyone feels kind of who he is,”
and continued,
“That’s the exciting part is when he gets out there, everyone feels it just by him being out there and in the jersey.”
The Suns’ approach to managing Williams’ and Green’s health highlights the team’s determination to maximize player availability while cautiously navigating injuries. Williams’ resilience and Green’s gradual return contribute positively to the Suns’ ambition to strengthen their roster amid the ongoing season.
