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NBA·PREVIEW·September 16, 2026 04:01 AM ET

Mark Williams injury opens Suns center battle

Bridges, Kennard and Peat project into new spots.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 161 min read
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Day 15 -- Phoenix Suns This was the first offseason that the Suns didn't change head coaches since 2023 Mark Williams Via @LawMurrayTheNU on X

What happened: Ighodaro and Maluach now line up as the main options for center minutes heading into camp. The projected rotation also has Bridges replacing O'Neale, Kennard replacing Allen and Peat replacing Coffey.

Why it matters: That puts one of Phoenix's biggest preseason questions in the middle after an otherwise stable summer under the same head coach. Phoenix already has its five-game preseason slate, so the frontcourt picture should come into focus quickly once exhibition minutes begin.

What to watch: Watch the first camp and preseason rotations for how center reps are split between Ighodaro and Maluach. Early lineup usage should also show whether Bridges, Kennard and Peat hold those projected spots.

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