Mark Williams’ shoulder injury opens key opportunity for Suns big man Khaman Maluach

PHOENIX — The recent shoulder injury to center Mark Williams is a setback for a Phoenix Suns organization looking to contend in the rugged Western Conference, but it’s not the worst news because it should give young big man Khaman Maluach needed time to develop.

The team announced Friday morning that the 7-foot-1 Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury that happened during a recent workout. A timetable for his return has not been established, but Williams is expected to miss considerable time.

The 24-year-old Williams, who recently signed a three-year, $38 million contract to stay in Phoenix, was expected to start at center when the Suns open the season Oct. 21 against the Portland Trail Blazers. His absence will shorten second-year coach Jordan Ott’s rotation and rob the Suns of a valuable rim presence. The injury-prone Williams played in a career-best 60 games last season, although he missed most of March and didn’t play in the postseason because of a foot injury. Overall, Williams averaged 11.7 points, eight rebounds and 0.9 blocks.

Third-year big man Oso Ighodaro, who averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season, likely will replace Williams in the starting lineup. Although Ighodaro, 24, is limited offensively, he is among Phoenix’s smartest players and best passers. Defensively, he can get outmuscled in the post but moves well enough to disrupt guards and wings in pick-and-roll situations. He might be the Suns’ best option in the middle even with a healthy Williams.

But this is a better opportunity for Maluach, the team’s lottery pick in 2025. Devin Booker is the face of the Phoenix franchise. Dillon Brooks is the heart. Though Maluach is not yet an organizational pillar, he has shown flashes that he could be. That makes him one of the more intriguing players on the roster.

The Suns were smart last season; they did not force Maluach into a role for which he was not ready. The No. 10 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft — a selection acquired in the blockbuster trade of Kevin Durant — Maluach played his rookie season as a 19-year-old. At times, the Duke product looked overwhelmed, particularly on defense. At other times, he looked like the valued rim protector every NBA team needs. In 46 games last season, Maluach averaged 3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocked shots in 8.9 minutes.

During summer league in July, the Duke product played with a different comfort level and confidence. The numbers (19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots) are easy to dismiss because of the competition, but Maluach’s defensive communication and 3-point shooting were difficult to ignore.

Of Phoenix’s three big men, Maluach (8-of-20 from 3 in summer league) has the best shooting touch and is the best bet to stretch the floor. Williams has attempted five 3-pointers in his career; Ighodaro has put up none.

To be clear: Phoenix will miss Williams. The Suns played their best when he was healthy during the first half of last season. In games in which Williams played 25-plus minutes, the Suns were 17-8. He was a lob threat off pick-and-rolls, efficient around the rim and shot 77.1 percent from the foul line. Defensively, he wasn’t as consistent but still altered shots.

Maluach, who turns 20 on Monday, won’t be the only player to watch in the desert. The Suns acquired forward Miles Bridges in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets in July. They’re also expecting a jump from explosive guard Jalen Green, who missed the bulk of last season with hamstring issues. How Green plays with Booker will be one of the team’s top storylines.

But in the wake of the Williams injury, even that might not be as big as Maluach’s development.