Bobby Marks expects bigger Khaman Maluach role after Mark Williams injury

Williams underwent left shoulder surgery Thursday.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 121 min read

In light of the injury, would expect the role of 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach to increase. Summer league: 19.5 mpg, Via @BobbyMarks42 on X

What happened: Williams tore his labrum and will miss an extended period, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. [Surgery coverage](https://wsau.com/2026/09/11/report-suns-c-mark-williams-has-shoulder-surgery/)

Why it matters: The absence creates an opening for Maluach, a 2025 lottery pick, ahead of the 2026-27 season. Oso Ighodaro offers another option: Phoenix outscored opponents by 5.1 points per 100 possessions with him at center last season, according to Cleaning the Glass figures cited by Marks.

By the numbers: Maluach averaged 12.8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game in Summer League.

What to watch: Watch how Phoenix divides center minutes between Maluach and Ighodaro during preseason.

Sources

@BobbyMarks42 2026-09-12T00:03:14.257132+00:00

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