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A Few Phoenix Suns May Benefit From Mark Williams' Absence
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- A Few Phoenix Suns May Benefit From Mark Williams' Absence
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The 2026-27 Phoenix Suns are just weeks away from ushering in preseason play in anticipation for the 82-game regular season.
The franchise is facing an unfortunate development in the injury department, as Mark Williams is now recovering from a recent torn labrum.
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This is undoubtedly a rough break for the team, but head coach Jordan Ott is still installing a "next man up" mentality heading into his second season at the helm.
Below are the three players on the roster that have the best chance to take advantage of the hole left behind in the rotation at the season starts up.
F Koa Peat
The rookie out of Arizona was once regarded as a potential lottery selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
This is a testament to the Phoenix-area native's natural athleticism and talent, but concerns over a lack of outside game and how his 6'8" frame would translate to the NBA game.
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Well, the 19-year-old might receive an immediate opportunity to prove himself in the pro game. Williams' omission from the Phoenix lineup creates a vacuum that leaves third-year Oso Ighodaro and second-year Khaman Maluach with an incredible amount of responsibility.
Expect Ott to give Peat some run to offset the hole that Williams leaves.
F Ryan Dunn
Dunn is a player that is naturally going to benefit from Williams being out.
The third-year Virginia product is unfortunately the product of gradually sinking down Phoenix's depth chart due to an inconsistent offensive profile. Now, there's a chance that forward Rasheer Fleming gets moves around interchangeably in rotations, which naturally opens up chances for the former first-round draft selection to solidify a spot in the rotation.
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It's not entirely inconceivable that Dunn takes a step forward offensively this season, as he has seen a gradual uptick in three-point efficiency. Dunn's long-term viability in Phoenix will likely ultimately come down to shooting consistency and taking advantage of potential added minutes in the rotation.
F CJ Huntley
Huntley, 24, is on a two-way deal with the Suns. He also has an immediate opportunity to see spot minutes at the NBA level as a result of the Williams injury.
Huntley is one of a few players on the roster that is 6'10" or taller, which builds-in an advantage, but he also displayed an intriguing outside game in his final year at Appalachian State.
Huntley is a player that is absolutely worthy of monitoring in the weeks ahead.
