The Phoenix Suns face a reshuffle at centre after Mark Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, a procedure that will keep him out for a significant period. Williams started 55 of his 60 regular-season games last season and had signed a three-year, $38 million deal in the offseason to remain the starter.
With only two true centres left on the roster, South Sudanese big man Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro will compete for the spot. Both are expected to see increased minutes under head coach Jordan Ott.
Maluach, 20, arrived in Phoenix as the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft and part of the return in the Kevin Durant trade. He averaged 3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes across 46 games as a rookie, often a healthy scratch under Ott. His Summer League performance changed the conversation: 19.5 points, a league-high 12.8 rebounds and 2 blocks over four games, with 40% shooting from three on five attempts per game.
Fans have already rallied behind the 7-foot-2 Maluach on social media, with one account declaring "It's Khaman Maluach time." Ighodaro, 24, offers a contrasting profile. The second-round pick from the 2024 draft played four seasons at Marquette and was one of only 18 NBA players to appear in all 82 games last season, starting 24.
