Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams has expressed a strong sense of belonging since joining the team this season. In a recent interview with Arizona Sports, Williams shared, “I love it here in Phoenix. It’s felt like home since I’ve been here, and I’ve been working super hard. The staff has done a great job keeping me on the floor.”
This season marks a significant change for Williams, who faced numerous challenges last year with the Charlotte Hornets due to injuries, limiting him to just 44 games. His stint with Charlotte included a turbulent trade attempt to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 6, but that transaction was ultimately rescinded when he failed a physical just two days later. Williams anticipated that a trade would be in his future, which came to fruition on June 30 when he was officially traded to the Suns for a 2029 first-round pick.
Reflecting on the transition from Charlotte to Phoenix, he noted, “After the season ended in Charlotte, I kind of already made the assumption I was going to get traded. For me, I was already in that mind space that I wasn’t going to be in Charlotte anymore, so I was kind of already past that.”
Thus far this season, Williams has made a significant impact on the court, averaging 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over 20 appearances. His recent performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves was particularly noteworthy, where he scored a season-high 22 points and secured seven rebounds, marking his first successful 3-pointer of the season.
With his eyes set on the future, Williams expressed a desire to remain with the Suns beyond this season as he approaches restricted free agency. “It’s somewhere where I would want to be. Since I’ve been here, it’s felt super inclusive,” he commented. He praised the coaching staff for their efforts in preparing him physically for the rigors of the season, stating, “I feel like I’m producing and I am only going to continue to get better. It’s been great here.”
Williams also highlighted the positive influence of teammate Dillon Brooks, noting his dynamic presence on the team. “His energy is super infectious. He makes you want to play harder. He’s bringing that intensity every single night. His competitive edge is something you want on a team,” Williams remarked, emphasizing the value Brooks brings to the Suns’ success this season.
